Women Powering Ecommerce

036 - Breaking the Taboo: Women's Work Health Revealed

Written by Suzie Cyrenne | Oct 5, 2023 12:30:00 PM

Welcome to another empowering episode of Women Powering eCommerce! In today's discussion, we're diving headfirst into a topic that has long been hushed: women's health at work, specifically menstrual health. While this subject may be considered taboo, it's a crucial conversation for us as women entrepreneurs. Let's explore the challenges many of us face and why it's vital to break the silence.

The Monthly Struggle

As a female entrepreneur, I've experienced firsthand the ups and downs of running a business while navigating the challenges of my menstrual cycle. There are days when productivity seems like an uphill battle, and I've had to adapt my schedule accordingly. Luckily, as entrepreneurs, we have the flexibility to adjust our work hours, but let's be honest—it's not always smooth sailing.

I know I'm not alone in this struggle. Many women grapple with their periods while striving to be as productive as possible. It's a reality that deserves attention and understanding, which is why I'm sharing some eye-opening statistics from a survey conducted by the University of Virginia School of Medicine Health.

The Data Speaks

Nearly Half of Women Struggle: The survey revealed that a staggering 45.2% of women reported experiencing menstrual symptoms that significantly impacted their work performance. These symptoms ranged from decreased energy levels and mood swings to difficulties in maintaining concentration. This statistic alone highlights the widespread nature of the issue.

Lack of Support: Equally concerning, almost half of the women who reported these symptoms (49.7%) felt unsupported by their workplace. They didn't feel comfortable discussing their menstrual cycle with their managers. This lack of openness and support is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Why We Must Speak Up

The first lesson from these findings is the resilience of women. Despite silently battling through their menstrual symptoms, they continue to work and deliver results consistently. They deserve recognition and applause for their dedication.

However, it's also evident that we need more supportive work environments. It's disheartening to think that nearly half of women feel isolated and unable to discuss a crucial aspect of their health with their colleagues. We must foster a workplace culture that encourages openness and empathy.

Supporting Each Other

As entrepreneurs, we not only have to consider our own well-being but also that of our team members. How can we ensure that our female employees feel supported and valued? It's a question we must answer together.

Conclusion

I want to emphasize the importance of breaking the silence surrounding women's health at work. Today, I hope to have contributed my share to this essential conversation. Please take a moment to share and subscribe to this podcast, as it will help us reach and inspire more women entrepreneurs in the e-commerce space.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope you've gained valuable insights and inspiration. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all women.

Remember to like, share, and comment on this episode, and don't forget to subscribe to receive notifications whenever a new video is uploaded. Let's continue growing and taking action toward our goals. See you next time!