Women’s Health Charter about ‘respect’, says Community member

Workplaces up and down the country have signed our Women’s Reproductive Health Charter, and in doing so, have committed themselves to improving workplace policies and accommodations for those experiencing health issues like endometriosis and PMOS.

Menstrual and fertility health are taboo subjects, despite the fact that many women experience reproductive conditions and will, at some point, experience the menopause – a natural biological process.

A lack of understanding around women’s health contributes to a lack of supportive workplace policies, and this is why we launched our Supporting Her Together campaign, which is encouraging workplaces to sign our women’s health charter and commit to more inclusive policies.

Among the workplaces that have signed the charter is roadside assistance company The Automobile Association (The AA), a company which Community has a long-standing industrial relationship with.

AA Service Maintenance Repair Technician, Shelly Hughes, works in a male-dominated field and says that it is important for each workplace to have reproductive policies as they are ultimately about “respect” and “understanding”.

A former member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), Shelly studied motor vehicle engineering during her time in the army before continuing her career in the automotive industry.

Asked about the best part of her job, she put it simply and said: “Everything”‘.

Community Union member Shelly Hughes said:

Community union regional secretary at The AA Paul Thomas with Shelly Hughes

“I’m proud to be part of the AA in promoting the Supporting Her Together campaign to support women and improve attitudes towards women’s reproductive health.

“Working as a patrol in a male-dominated industry means taking on challenging and physically demanding roadside tasks. It’s important to recognise the different aspects of women’s health that can affect their working lives in ways that aren’t always visible.

“While pregnancy is often recognised, menstrual and fertility-related issues can be harder to discuss, but often dismissed as ‘Oh, it’s that time again’, by male counter parts.

“Limited access and distance away from facilities and the physical demands of roadside work can add stress and discomfort when someone is unwell.

“Breaking the taboo means creating a workplace where colleagues can discuss these issues without embarrassment or dismissal. It’s about reducing the divide around women’s health issues and helping everyone offer appropriate support without judgement or embarrassment.

“Ultimately, this is about respect, understanding and ensuring every colleague knows that support is available when they need it.”

Supporting Her Together aims to help every type of woman in every type of workplace. A survey of our membership suggests that around 64% of those experiencing menstrual and fertility health problems have noted a direct impact on their working life, with many needing to take extended periods of sickness leave and others feeling that their menstrual health problems were having a negative effect on their career progression and opportunities. This is not good enough.

Community’s Head of Equalities, Jennifer Dean, said:

“Women’s health experiences are not one size fits all, and for many members the impact of menstruation, fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, menopause and other reproductive health matters can be significant, both personally and professionally.

“As Shelly highlights, these challenges can be even more pronounced in operational and traditionally male dominated environments, where access to facilities, flexibility and understanding may not always be straightforward.

“By signing  up to Community’s Women’s Reproductive Health Charter, The Automobile Association (The AA) has taken an important step towards breaking down stigma, increasing awareness and ensuring their employees are listened to, respected and supported.

“Equality at work is not about treating everyone the same; it is about recognising that employees have different experiences and by putting the right support framework in place, everyone at work has the opportunity to succeed.

“I am proud to see members like Shelly and Paul, (Community union regional secretary at The AA), helping to lead these conversations. By working together, we can continue to foster a culture of dignity, respect and belonging, where no one feels they must suffer in silence, because support is available whenever it is needed.”