The need for menopause policy reform will be discussed at an event hosted by The University of Western Australia’s Public Policy Institute next week.
Breakfast by the Bay – Menopause Matters: Igniting Change with Menopause Policy Reform will examine the need to develop policy to ensure that women experiencing menopause can continue to play an equal and active role in the workplace, political and civic life, and within their families and communities.
Associate Professor Paul Maginn, Director of UWA’s Public Policy Institute, said menopause affected 50 per cent of the world’s population.
“Despite this fact, menopause has, until only recently, been cloaked in secrecy, something of a taboo topic and a social stigma endured by women,” Associate Professor Maginn said.
“The cloak of secrecy has begun to slowly lift in recent years with media articles, and podcasts shining a light on all things menopause and, crucially, politicians and policymakers are beginning to waken up to the importance of policy reform.”
The policy significance of menopause is reflected by the fact that the Senate Community Affairs References Committee is currently conducting an inquiry into menopause and peri-menopause issues.
Associate Professor Maginn will moderate a panel of experts who have lived experience, research insights and policy practice in dealing with menopause and the benefits of menopause-friendly policies, especially in the workplace.
The panel includes Nedlands MLA Dr Katrina Stratton, speaking on behalf of the Minister for Health; Federal Senator Louise Pratt; Grace Molloy, from Menopause Friendly Australia; Dr Rod Guitterez, an Australian medical doctor, psychologist and business leader; UWA senior lecturer Dr Dani Barrington, a specialist in water, sanitation and health with expertise in menstrual health; and Francine Eades, a proud Minang Noongar woman and Area Director, Aboriginal Health East Metropolitan Health Service.
The event will be held on Wednesday 31 July from to 7am to 9am at The University Club of Western Australia. For more information or to register click here.