Mo
Job: Supply Chain Manager
Function: Operational Delivery
Launching the Menopause network
The Menopause Network started in 2019. I was a committee member in the inspiring Women’s Inclusive Network here at DE&S when I realised there was a need for more people to talk about menopause. To begin with I did a few talks at work, which were really well received, and over time this evolved into the Menopause Network. Interest in the network continued to grow and when central MOD expressed an interest in getting involved too, we evolved it into a Defence-wide network. That was a real success! I’ve always had a ‘One Defence’ mindset and it was very important to me to be inclusive of everybody. We started with 400 members and we’re pleased to have grown to around 2,400 members now.
Normalising conversations around menopause
Originally the purpose of the network was for me to help a few other people on their menopause journey. I never intended for it to get as big as it did. The network supports and encourages people to talk openly about menopause. We want people to feel empowered to speak with their managers and colleagues, to explain what’s happening and how they can support in a safe and inclusive way. We have forums once a month, open sessions, and sometimes we have a guest speaker to talk about a specific subject, for example hormone replacement therapy, which is a big topic at the moment.
It’s important that people speak openly, and I’m not just talking about women. I mean men, managers, and transgender colleagues too. A lot more men are getting involved now, with managers and colleagues reaching out to ask what they can do to support their team. We’ve seen a brilliant response.
“The network supports and encourages people to talk openly about menopause. We want people to feel empowered to speak with their managers and colleagues, to explain what’s happening and how they can support in a safe and inclusive way.”
– Mo, Chair of the Menopause Network
Supporting our people for today, and every day after
I’m so proud of the network, and of DE&S and the MOD for thoroughly embracing it at a time when no-one was really talking about menopause. I’m humbled that so many people have trusted me with their stories – that anecdotal evidence has really helped us to take policies and guidance forward for the benefit of everybody.
We’ve been able to future-proof for our people, so they don’t have to go through what many of us had to, feeling alone and not knowing where to go. When I went through menopause there wasn’t a lot of information available, now there’s a network, support, policies, guidance, and menopause champions, which is awesome!
The importance of bringing your best self to work
Women are now expected to work a lot longer than they used to and will potentially spend a third of their working life going through perimenopause or menopause. Employers need to provide that vital support for people going through this. The welfare of our people is hugely important, and if our people can bring their best self to work, that will help us retain our skilled workforce and achieve our organisational goals too. Both are equally important.
“The welfare of our people is hugely important, and if our people can bring their best self to work, that will help us retain our skilled workforce and achieve our organisational goals too. Both are equally important.”
Stand-out moments
Through launching the network there have been lots of stand-out memories for me. When I first spoke to my male line managers about menopause, they were really supportive and gave me the time and space to launch the project. Winning the ‘Unsung Heroine’ Women in Defence award in 2022 was incredible too. Defence is lucky to have such exceptional women in our community, and winning the award in such amazing company was an honour.
The best thing about this whole experience is the people who come up to me and say thank you for creating the network – thank you for just making it happen. It’s been truly rewarding to make such an impact on the daily lives of the people who work here.
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