Fabulous Menopause Matters aims to make HRT free for all women through the NHS, and to get a menopause policy in every workplace that supports staff, busting the taboos around the menopause with a raft of editorials from experts and doctors, say the publishers.
Fronted by Lisa Snowdon, the campaign has also been backed by a number of influential figures including Baroness Karren Brady CBE, Jane Moore, Zoe Hardman, Saira Khan, Trisha Goddard, Michelle Heaton, as well as Dr Louise Newson, Carolyn Harris MP, Jess Phillips MP, Caroline Nokes MP and Rachel Maclean MP.
Exclusive research commissioned by Fabulous found three out of five women aged 45-55 say their careers have suffered during the menopause, while 4% quit their careers altogether – fuelling the gender pay gap, which is greatest for those over 50.
Supporting menopausal women – who are the fastest-growing group of workers in Britain – can give a major boost to businesses, says The Sun.
Lisa Snowdon says: “I’m so proud to be launching Fabulous’ Menopause Matters campaign, which aims to make HRT free for all women through the NHS, and to get a menopause policy in every workplace that supports staff. It’s such an important issue and affects not just women but their partners and families, too.”
“All of us, both women and men, need to be armed with more knowledge and support about the changes that happen during the menopause. It impacts everything, from family and relationships to work. I know myself how tough it can be, but if we can speak honestly about it, encourage more companies to offer support, it will be so much easier.”
Rachel Shields, Editorial Director of Fabulous says: “For too long the physical and emotional repercussions of the menopause have been something that women have suffered in silence. Fabulous reaches millions of women each week, and we think they deserve better. Better healthcare, better support from their employers and a better understanding of exactly what their bodies - and minds - are going through.”
Victoria Newton, Editor-in-chief of The Sun says: “The menopause is something that will affect half the population during their lifetime, and the help currently available from their employers and chosen healthcare is simply not good, and not enough to keep women in the workplace. The Fabulous brand reaches over 8 million women a week making Menopause Matters a vital campaign for our readers, and one which will raise awareness of the issues, and help break taboos.”
News UK, which publishes the Sun and Fabulous, says it is poised to launch its own menopause policy, in collaboration with women’s health experts, The Well.
Keep up-to-date with publishing news: sign up here for InPubWeekly, our free weekly e-newsletter.
