THE UK’S first parliamentary debate on menopause took place at Holyrood yesterday as part of a bid to end the “deafening silence” around the subject.
Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie, pictured, led the debate, highlighting the need of “raising awareness on a hidden taboo subject”.
Praising activism on menopause led by organisations such as STUC Women’s Convention, she said: “All of this awareness-raising work will ensure that the deafening silence around the menopause is no more.”
A study conducted by the Scottish Women’s Convention earlier this year revealed that 79% of women felt uncomfortable telling their employer about menopause. The research, involving 1000 participants, also showed that 99% said they did not have or were unaware of having a menopause policy at their workplace.
Alison Johnstone of the Scottish Greens said: “Given that around half of the workforce is female, it really is incredible that this gap in provision still exists. It’s important that workplace support is in place for all who need it. There really needs to be a culture change here so that women feel supported.”
The SNP’s Rona Mackay said: “Many will experience the menopause while still at work. Managers and employers must be grown up enough to support women and let them know what’s available to them. If men experienced the menopause, I doubt we’d even be having this debate.”
Labour’s Monica Lennon noted that 400,000 women in Scotland are currently going through the menopause and stressed the need for better healthcare for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
She said: “At the last count, only five health boards in Scotland offered dedicated menopause care.”
Liam McArthur of the LibDems said: “At the very least, men have a responsibility to listen and support. Seeing menopause as a normal part of life is also key, I think. We’re still not doing enough to tackle menopausal stigma.”
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