Embracing All Facets Of Womanhood In Pursuit Of Equity In The Workplace – A Health Perspective 

International Women’s Day is a day celebrated around the world every year on March 8. It is a call to action for women’s equality and also celebrates the achievements of women in the political, social, economic and cultural spheres.

We are encouraged this year to achieve equity in every aspect of society. While equality refers to providing individuals or groups of people with the same opportunities and resources, equity recognizes the different situations that each individual faces and provides the necessary resources to overcome these imbalances and achieve equal results. Equity in the workplace means that every employee is given a fair and equal opportunity based on individual needs.

Public Health Hazards in the workplace
In the work environment, the challenges men face are different from those faced by women especially in terms of health. Some of the common health problems that women experience at work include:

Women’s Reproductive Health Issues
There are several reproductive health issues that can affect women’s productivity at work. A large percentage of women are of reproductive age so these problems can impair their functioning at work. A very common example is dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). The actual menstrual period can reduce productivity because one loses a lot of blood – usually a lot of iron – and this can lead to a decrease in energy due to anemia. This coupled with menstrual cramps can affect focus at work and reduce productivity in the workplace. Spain has just become the first country in Europe to pass a law allowing for menstrual leave joining five other countries – Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and Zambia – that already have this policy.

Another reproductive problem that affects women is menopause. Symptoms include but are not limited to hot flushes, anxiety, osteoporosis, depression, and mood swings can adversely affect productivity. Furthermore, it can be a difficult area to deal with because of shame and the perception that women at this stage of life are past their best years.
In areas where there is no paid maternity leave or a reduced number of months, this can also reduce work efficiency and babies may be affected by work exposure. Post-natal depression can also have a major impact on daily activities and is not adequately addressed.

Work Stress
It’s no secret that women are often expected to balance their work force with family care because most women are the primary caregivers at home. This is an additional burden and can affect physical and mental health leading to depression, hypertension, etc.

What can we do?
Many women face many challenges in the workplace mainly due to their health. What can we do to reduce this and address equity in the workplace?

Normalize the Conversation
Some women find it difficult to talk about their period or menopause because it is disapproving, embarrassing or unhealthy. We need to normalize the conversation about women’s health so that help can be sought when it is needed and will have a significant impact on productivity at work.

Improving Board Culture
Women and men always have different needs at work because of their different physiology. Therefore, small changes like flexible arrangements in time, work breaks, separate rooms where they can take time out when overwhelmed, breastfeeding rooms for post-natal women will go a long way.

Health Education
All the solutions mentioned above will not work if there are still gaps in knowledge. That is why it is necessary to be well informed and educated in order to overcome the challenges in women’s health. Furthermore, offering resources and sharing health-related facts regularly to female employees and all staff in general will help with health education. Also workshops or team meetings with speakers – preferably women – talking about relevant topics that improve women’s health are another way to inform and educate.

Health check
Regular health checks for employees and including gender-specific tests will encourage employees to better understand their health status and seek help if needed.
Finally, imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A diverse, just, and inclusive world. A world where differences are valued and celebrated. Together we can shape women’s equality. Together we can all #EmbraceEquity. It starts with you.