A Senate Inquiry into menopause and perimenopause has handed down its final report.
It called on the Government to consider implementing reproductive leave in the National Employment Standards (NES) — the basic entitlements for every Australian worker.
The Government now has three months to respond.
Background
Menopause is when you have your final menstrual period. In Australia, the average age for menopause is 51.
Perimenopause refers to the transition window before menopause. Symptoms can include hot flashes, fatigue, anxiety, heavier menstrual cycles and other side effects caused by hormonal changes.
The Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health said ”women face substantial financial costs” to manage their symptoms. It said some women have to work reduced hours, “or leave their employment completely,” because of their symptoms.
Senate inquiry into menopause
Greens spokesperson for women Senator Larissa Waters led calls for an inquiry into menopause and perimenopause late last year.
At the time, Waters said: “We need evidence-based policies to reduce the impact of menopause and perimenopause on women’s participation in the workforce”.
The inquiry examined the concept of menopause leave. It heard from companies (e.g. ModiBodi and Aware Super) that have introduced paid menopause and menstrual leave. Leave entitlements range from six to 24 days.
Some experts told the inquiry that other flexible work arrangements could lead to more effective change than menopause-specific leave entitlements.
They suggested that some women don’t want to disclose health information to their employers. Experts also noted that menopause leave might deter employers from hiring women “in mid-age”.
Recommendations
The inquiry recommended the Government consider introducing “paid gender-inclusive reproductive leave in the National Employment Standards”.
This could include leave for people undergoing fertility treatments.
It also recommended a public menopause and perimenopause awareness campaign and more coverage of reproductive and menstrual health in school and university curriculums.
Reproductive leave
Reproductive leave has already been rolled out in some parts of the country.
Earlier this year, the Victorian and Queensland governments announced reproductive leave entitlements for public sector workers.
In Victoria, this includes leave to deal with the impacts of pregnancy or menstruation.
In Queensland, the leave entitlements also extend to IVF treatment and surgical procedures such as vasectomies and hysterectomies.
Response
Waters said: “We need policies that work for all women and people who experience menopause…. those who need leave to manage [their] symptoms should be able to access it.
Labor Senator Marielle Smith said the Government needed to “ensure” those with “difficult or painful” menopause symptoms that impact their work are supported.
Coalition Senators did not officially oppose the inquiry’s findings, but did raise concerns that leave exclusively for menopause would alienate women in the workplace.
