Issues related to menopause and perimenopause - Submission by the Australian Council of Trade Unions to the

Our submission will respond to the terms of reference of the Inquiry regarding (a) the economic consequences of menopause and perimenopause; and (g) the level of awareness amongst employers and workers, and the awareness, availability and usage of workplace supports. [...] Summary of ACTU Recommendations Recommendation 1 – the government should invest in research to better understand the impact of reproductive health on women’s participation in the workforce, the effectiveness of workplace supports, the extent to which women reduce or end their workforce participation due to menopause, and the economic impact of that to them and the economy. [...] Recommendation 1 – the government should invest in research to better understand the impact of reproductive health on women’s participation in the workforce, the effectiveness of workplace supports, the extent to which women reduce or end their workforce participation due to menopause, and the economic impact of that to them and the economy. [...] Discrimination and fear of speaking up The survey results identify that many workers are reluctant to speak about their experience of menstruation, menopause and perimenopause in the workplace, due to stigma, embarrassment, the taboo nature of these issues, the lack of support, understanding and respect from employers, and fear of the consequences of doing so (for example being perceived negativel. [...] The recommendations we have made in this submission seek to begin to grapple with these issues, including addressing the lack of research and data, the lack of awareness and education, and some of the gaps in our industrial, anti-discrimination and work health and safety laws.