Are you a menopause warrior or worrier?

Two women debate whether we need workplace legislation to protect those going through what can be a challenging life stage

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These days, discussions about the menopause are everywhere, from TV programmes (thanks, Davina McCall!) to the Houses of Parliament. While there’s no doubt that public awareness about this most female of matters is long overdue, some of us are worried that there’s an unintended downside – namely, that older women are now being labelled and categorised more than ever before. The debate around the menopause has been stoked up by recent government decisions. Earlier this year, ministers blocked a proposal to make it a ‘protected characteristic’ in the workplace under the Equality Act of 2010. This came as a blow to campaigners, not least to the cross-party Women and Equalities Committee, which has long pushed for the menopause to be included along with age, disability and race as a characteristic against which it would be illegal to discriminate. Was the Government right or wrong? Here, two women give their perspectives.

Menopause warrior

Rachel Ogden: Progress only happens if responsibilities are enshrined in law'

Some years ago, I worked with a woman who gave me my first experience of menopause. She had the most horrendous hot flushes - she wore short-sleeved tops and had a desk fan whirling away year-round. I have no doubt that she suffered greatly, yet every day she turned up with a smile on her face and toughed it out - because what was the alternative?