- Conference
- 2025 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 14 October 2024
- Decision
- Carried
Menopause is a significant life stage affecting all women, but research shows that the experience varies greatly, often more severe for some due to systemic factors. Black women, in particular, face unique challenges, including earlier onset, more intense symptoms, and the compounded impact of systemic discrimination, racism, and socioeconomic factors. Many women do not feel confident enough to discuss the impact of menopause on their well-being with employers or managers.
The key points that highlights the impact of menopause on Black women include:
1)Earlier Onset and Severe Symptoms: Some women tend to experience menopause earlier and with more severe symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and depression. These symptoms can significantly affect their quality of life and work performance.
2)Healthcare Disparities: Black women often face disparities in healthcare, such as misdiagnosis, under-treatment, and a lack of culturally competent care. This further exacerbates the challenges in managing menopause effectively.
3)Socioeconomic Factors: The intersection of menopause with socioeconomic factors—like income inequality, job insecurity, and limited access to healthcare—further disadvantages Black women, especially those in low-paid jobs.
4)Workplace Impact: Menopause symptoms can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and mental health challenges. Without adequate workplace policies and support, women are likely to suffer disproportionately in their professional lives.
Addressing the impact of menopause on Black women is both a matter of health equity and workplace fairness. This will also ensure that all women, particularly Black women, receive the care, respect, and support they need during menopause.
Conference therefore calls upon the national women’s committee to work with the national Black members’ committee to:
1)Raise Awareness and work with branches and regions to implement educational programs within workplaces that focus on menopause, with particular attention to the experiences of Black women, women with disabilities, and those in low-paid roles on the cultural and medical nuances of menopause.
2)Build on creating a joint campaign for better access to comprehensive healthcare for all women, including advocating for culturally competent menopause specialists.
3)Encourage workplace policies that support women experiencing menopause, such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and designated rest areas.
4)Explore how to support research that focuses on the unique impact of menopause on women from diverse backgrounds, their experiences and create leaflets that inform good practice guide’s for activist to engage with employers.
5)Advocate for Policy Change to push for national and local policies addressing healthcare disparities and providing targeted support for Black women during menopause. Collaborate with other national committees and advocacy groups to drive systemic change.