Adjournment motion on a gendered informed response to menopause

Mechanisms to proactively support women in Singapore’s workforce who are living with the consequences of menopause are currently limited, said NMP Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim. “I expect that it would be unusual for a woman in Singapore or indeed anywhere in the world to comfortably disclose to her employer that she is struggling emotionally or physically due to menopause or perimenopause,” she said. In her adjournment motion in Parliament on Wednesday (Oct 16), she stressed the need to recognise and support the unique challenges that women face throughout their lives, particularly during menopause and perimenopause. She urged the Government to focus on three areas - health, workplace and education. In health, the Ministry of Health should commission research on the impact of menopause and perimenopause on women in Singapore, launch awareness campaigns and work with the Singapore Medical Council and universities to ensure that menopause modules are included in their curricula. On the workplace, the Ministry of Manpower should commission research on the economic impact from menopause, including workplace participation, income and feasibility of paid reproductive leave. It should encourage workplaces to develop gender-sensitive menopause and perimenopause policies. As for education, the Ministry of Education should look into including such topics in the national curriculum for secondary schools. By adopting a holistic approach that spans health, the workplace and education and by building a more gender-equitable and forward-thinking society, women will be supported to thrive and succeed, she said. Responding, Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam said the Government will continue to empower women to approach menopause with confidence and make informed decisions about their health and well-being. She stressed the need to address not only the physical symptoms but also their psychological and social impact. These include combating stigma, promoting open dialogue and ensuring that women have access to accurate information and supportive resources. Ms Rahayu pointed out that civil society and community organisations are well-placed to participate in this effort. They can play a critical role in providing support for women and creating platforms for the public to discuss and better understand the issues. On the call for menopause leave, Ms Rahayu said Singapore’s preferred approach is to support women to remain in the workforce and be well-supported at work. “Introducing specific menopause leave may inadvertently negatively impact the employability of women in this age group, rather than helping them, which we should be careful to avoid,” she said. Flexible work arrangements can help employees balance the care needs for their condition with work responsibilities, she added. “Supporting women through menopause is not just a medical issue. It is also about awareness and empowerment. The Government is committed to building a society where all Singaporeans have full and equal opportunities to flourish and achieve their aspirations,” she said.