International Women’s Day Podcast 2 – “Busting taboos”


When we reflected on important topics to cover, as part of Team ITG’s recognition of International Women’s Day, we originally considered an episode on menopause, it’s an area of specialism for our coaches and we believe it warrants more attention – both in and outside of the workplace. IWD this year is all about CHALLENGE, and we saw that as an invitation to explore a topic that certainly in the past – and for some may still at times – has been considered taboo. However, the team at ITG rightly reflected that this taboo-busting conversation needs to expand out, to support ALL women across ALL life stages. 

Hosted by Henny with special guests, Rebekah Brown and Sarah Stead, we cover menopause, endometriosis and periods, as well as touching on the tender topics of miscarriage and IVF – all from the perspective of working women. These are big subjects and we’re discussing them in the hope that it helps smooth the way for other conversations. The more we talk, the more we normalise these subjects & the easier it is to keep talking – and to be HEARD.

THE KEY POINTS WE COVER…

1 in 10 women have endometriosis

Menopause is still not included in the sex education of the national curriculum, leading to many women having no idea of what expect, or where to get support.

It is often excluded from private medical cover.

Women often feel that they can’t talk about what they’re experiencing at work, and it can result in limiting the work they feel comfortable doing because of the impact of their symptoms.

The importance of seeking the right quality of medical support AND exploring other avenues.

There is a lack of awareness of the impact of the experiences such as endometriosis, menopause, IVF, miscarriage and periods at work.

Some organisations are doing AMAZING work, BUT it feels like there’s still a challenge in how we create space for people to be heard at work, so these conversations can become more open.

Our wellbeing is critical for good mental health. We can all be part of the process of opening up the conversation at work or with friends / colleagues to support each other.

SOME REFERENCES…

https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/ 

menopausesupport.co.uk

@thepositivemenopause (Instagram) or https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepositivemenopause

https://mpowder.store/

https://www.facebook.com/FertilityNetworkUK