Helping women thrive in work: making women's and reproductive health a key priority

Posted by Ann Caluori | Tue, 18/03/2025 - 16:58

SOM and CIPD today held a Parliamentary reception on 'Helping women thrive in work: making women's and reproductive health a key priority'. Speakers included Emma Persand, Chair of SOM's Women's Health at Work Network, Sarah Owen MP, Chair of Women and Equalities Committee, Carolyn Harris MP, Chair of the APPG on Menopause, and Mims Davies MP, Shadow Women's Minister.

One reason the UK economy is underperforming is a lack of attention on the impact of women’s and reproductive health on participation in the workforce. Absenteeism, decreased productivity or dropping out of work altogether are commonplace for women facing health or reproductive challenges, but much can be done to improve support for women in the workplace – increasing their economic activity as well as improving their wellbeing and reducing gender inequality. With supportive employer policies, appropriate healthcare and better societal awareness many of the problems can be tackled, keeping more women in productive work in which they can thrive and progress.

At today's event, SOM and CIPD together called for:

  • Government to launch a review of women’s and reproductive health in the workplace to identify the economic opportunities for strengthening support, guidance and enforcement of current regulations, followed by an action plan;
  • A high-profile campaign to motivate and give confidence to employers to develop working environments that provide understanding, flexibility and occupational health support for women’s health issues across the life course; and
  • Wider access to occupational health services for those in and out of work to support people to remain in, or return to, appropriate work in which they can manage their health conditions.

Read the briefing here and please do: