As part of Barking and Dagenham Council’s annual Women’s Empowerment Month, the council has signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge, committing to recognise the impact of the menopause and actively supporting female staff who are affected. 

Following a recommendation from the council’s Menopause Employee Support Group to formally commit support for colleagues who are experiencing the menopause, the council has pledged to talk openly, positively and respectfully about the menopause and actively support employees who are affected by it.

Councillors and staff endorsed the pledge at the council’s Women’s Empowerment Month Awards event as part of its ongoing commitment to support women in the workplace. With the support of the council’s staff Menopause Support Group and Women’s Network, the council recognises that the menopause can be an issue in the workplace and is committed to supporting women.

Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration, said: "Female colleagues make up 60% of our valued team at Barking and Dagenham Council, and it’s really important that they feel able to talk about their health issues and know they will be supported.

"We know that some women might find it difficult to talk about the menopause and may suffer in silence. It shouldn’t be a taboo topic, and we want to assure them that we’re here to offer help and support throughout their menopause journey, whenever they may need it.

"Each person's experience with menopause is unique and it goes beyond simply feeling uncomfortable. That's why we’re committed to creating an open and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable discussing it and can get the support they need.”

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Growth and Core Services, said: “I’m really proud that we’ve signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge as part of our ongoing commitment to support women in the workplace.

“It will help everyone better understand how to support colleagues going through the menopause, strengthening inclusivity and empathy, so everyone feels comfortable and supported in our workplace."

In signing the Menopause Workplace Pledge, Barking and Dagenham Council commits to:

• Recognising that the menopause can be an issue in the workplace and women need support
• Talking openly, positively and respectfully about the menopause
• Actively supporting our employees who are affected by the menopause

The council’s Menopause Support Group has been running since March 2021 and currently has 82 members. They meet monthly to talk about the menopause and everything that the menopause brings, sharing ideas and information on the things that have helped them, as well as looking at workplace issues and improvements that can be made in the workplace.