It’s a simple little symbol, but a new Menopause Ribbon being distributed in workplaces across the country could end up helping to spark crucial conversations that are often hard to start. The awareness campaign is the latest bid by the charity, , to bring people together and encourage discussion across ages and genders. It builds on the success of the cafe events, now replicated around the world from the UK to Kenya, Canada, Australia and more, where a coffee and a chat have helped unlock greater confidence in bringing up issues, especially in the workplace.
“The idea behind it is to reduce the stigma and shame that still sadly affects people who are going through the menopause,” Rachel explained. “It’s come on leaps and bounds since we started the charity in 2017, every other celebrity is sharing their story and it is talked about in workplaces. “But the people who attend our cafes are still embarrassed to talk to their managers, particularly if it’s, say, a male in their 30s and neither of them have possibly said the word menopause before.
“You can imagine how awkward that conversation is – a bit like it was telling your boss you were pregnant back in the 50s or 60s. We’re absolutely fine with pregnancy now and I would like menopause to be the same.” Research by the Fawcett Society found that one in 10 women surveyed who were employed during the menopause left work due to their symptoms.
And it can often be a struggle to begin the conversation about r.