Reinventing support in the workplace: International Day of Action for Women’s Health

International Day of Action for Women’s Health is held on May 28 and is a chance to educate people about health and rights. The Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights was first established on this day in 1987 - and it became a regular opportunity to act and stand up for women’s rights. In 2023, the day will focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide.

Women’s rights are still being systemically denied in many places across the globe, so talking about rights around health is important in all settings, including the workplace.

Women's pain is often not taken seriously by doctors and people around them. According to a BBC report, women are less likely than men to have their pain treated, their symptoms taken seriously, or to receive a diagnosis.

According to YouGov, two-thirds of working women have never taken time off for period pain, even if it is so severe that it affects their ability to work. Spain recently became the first European country to approve a law granting paid medical leave to women suffering severe period pain, and there are calls for other countries to follow their lead.

Women’s Health and Abortion

Recently, the topic of restricting women’s rights to have autonomy over their sexual and reproductive health generated a lot of attention in the United States. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, the case that legalised abortion in 1973. This effectively ended the constitutional right to abortion and opened the door for individual states to ban it. By January 2023, 24 states had banned abortion or were likely to.

These bags have potentially devastating effects for women in the US, as they tend not to prevent abortions from happening, only safe ones.

Fertility rates

Fertility is another neglected area of women’s health.

TheFertility Network UK has found that one in six couples undergo fertility treatment, but most workplaces (58%) don’t have a policy about fertility treatments and how employees can get support. There is no statutory right to time off work for fertility appointments and treatments.

It is essential to keep urging governments to pass legislation, and ensure current laws protecting women are not overturned. Employers are responsible for providing extended health policies, specifically those that support women’s health.

Topics around women’s health shouldn’t be considered taboo. Everyone in the workplace should allow for honest conversations with colleagues and creating an environment where others feel comfortable talking about these issues.

Reinventing support

DeltaCapita want all our staff to feel included, whatever their gender or background.We support and encourage staff to look after their health, protect their rights, and to devote time to their physical and mental wellbeing too.

People who receive such support generally feel healthier, happier, and have more sense of belonging and engagement at work.

If you want to find an employer that values diversity and employee well-being, check out our latest vacancies here. And find out more about how Delta Capita are reinventing the workplace through employee-centred projects.

This article is part of a series about reinventing support for employees. Other topics include support for women’s careers, Pride, South Asian Heritage Month, Father’s Day, neurodiversity, and Ramadan.

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