In her recent article for the Independent, Food Policy Consultant Dayna Brackley highlights the overlooked challenges women face in the workplace around their health needs. She draws on her research into the barriers and enablers to breastfeeding, which was featured in a recent Food Foundation report, and uses the example of breastfeeding in the workplace to illustrate the gap in government policy and support at various stages of women’s lives. From enduring menopausal symptoms to navigating breastfeeding without support, women encounter countless workplace obstacles.
Dayna applauds the EHRC’s guidance on employers’ obligations towards menopausal women but insists on more comprehensive measures. She calls for government policy, legislation and a shift in workplace culture to normalise discussions about women’s bodies and prioritise women’s health.