Every year, 47 million women enter menopause, many at the peak of their professional lives. When societies, including workplaces, fail to recognize and respond, the cost is immense: lost talent, reduced productivity and stalled progress on gender equality. This case study – presented by Essity and Bayer in partnership with UNFPA – shows what leadership for women’s health and wellbeing in the private sector looks like.
Today, the total number of women in menopause (perimenopause through post-menopause) exceeds one billion globally. For many, the transition begins just as they are reaching the peak of their careers, with women of menopausal age now one of the fastest-growing segments of the global workforce.
Building workplaces that support women and individuals going through menopause starts with creating a positive work environment that makes sure they feel seen, heard and supported. The UNFPA-led Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business collaborates with forward-thinking companies that are working towards building inclusive workplaces responsive to women’s health and wellbeing.