The Silent Burden: Menopause and Our Economy
Join us for an insightful webinar exploring the impact of menopause on women in the workplace, society, and the economy. This session will highlight the importance of menopause inclusivity and examine how organisations can create meaningful, sustainable change through workplace policies and support initiatives.
The webinar will also feature an engaging panel discussion bringing together perspectives on the challenges women face and the opportunities to drive progress. Through open dialogue and reflection, the session will explore practical approaches to transforming menopause from a workplace challenge into a catalyst for positive change.
Hosted with our partner Astellas, this webinar will showcase how Astellas is taking action through programmes such as the ‘Pledge to Champion a Menopause-Inclusive Workplace’ and the Global Menopause Policy Program (GMPP) to help foster a more supportive and inclusive working environment.
In October 2024, Astellas launched the ‘Pledge to Champion a Menopause-Inclusive Workplace’, developed by its global HR team. This programme is essential to ensuring that all Astellas employees understand menopause and its potential impacts, fostering a workplace where everyone feels supported and valued throughout this important health transition. The pledge is not merely a statement of intent — it is a call to action for all of us to build a culture of understanding, inclusivity, and care.
AGENDA
*Please note that all times are in BST.
4.00 pm - 4.05 pm - Welcome words from the WoW team
4.05 - 4.15 pm - ‘The Unseen Impact and Economic Imperative’, presentation by Astellas
4.15 pm - 5.25 pm - Panel discussion – ‘The Silent Burden: Menopause and Our Economy’, followed by Q&A
5.25 pm - 5.30 pm - Closing remarks from the WoW team
Meet our speakers:
Karla Martins, Medical Affairs Global Strategic Brand Lead, Women’s Health at Astellas
Karla Martins is an experienced Medical Doctor and Specialist Pharmaceutical Physician with over 18 years of experience in global, regional, and local roles within the pharmaceutical industry. Karla has a history of excellence across medical affairs and clinical development, with deep expertise in Translational Medicine, Oncology, Haematology, and Specialty care. She has a strong track record of leading successful teams, developing, launching, and managing the life cycle of innovative medicines. Karla is a leading healthcare services professional for her strategic leadership, scientific expertise, and dedication to bringing life-changing treatments to patients worldwide.
Anthony Singh, BMS-accredited Menopause Specialist, Lead Clinical Pharmacist and Chair of the British Menopause Pharmacy Society
Anthony Singh is a BMS-accredited Menopause Specialist, Lead Clinical Pharmacist and Chair of the British Menopause Pharmacy Society. He founded and clinically leads one of the UK’s first pharmacist-led NHS menopause services, supporting women across North West Leicestershire through accessible, evidence-based care. Anthony is passionate about improving menopause education for pharmacy professionals and reducing inequalities in women’s health.
Gabriela Rojas, founder and CEO of SinReglas
Gabriela Rojas is the founder and CEO of SinReglas, a Femtech focused on transforming the experience of menopause for all women in Latam. Gabriela has a Master of Laws and a Master in Public Administration, both from Harvard University. She has been a board member of AbogadasMX, the Harvard Mexico Foundation and President of the Harvard Club of Mexico, amongst others. She is a board member of Femtech Mx. She was a columnist for El Economista for 10 years. She has been recognised by Foro Jurídico magazine as one of the most influential lawyers in Mexico, has received the Bayer Foundation Global Women's Empowerment Award in Berlin, won the UNFPA Equalizer Challenge and is a LinkedIn Top Voice.
Bridget Perks, Educator and Women's Health Advocate
Bridget Perks is an educational leader who served as Deputy Principal at a day and boarding school in York from 2016 to 2024. She is a pioneer in advocating for workplace wellbeing. Drawing from personal experience with menopausal symptoms affecting her professional confidence during her career peak, she transformed this challenge into an opportunity by developing a comprehensive menopause policy at the school. This initiative established a framework where staff can openly discuss menopause, receive meaningful organisational support, and have their health needs legitimised. Recognising the broader impact of her work, Bridget shared the policy more widely at a national school's conference, helping other educational institutions implement similar supportive frameworks. Her advocacy extends beyond workplace policies to curriculum development, where she has been vocal about the need to include menopause as a prescribed topic in the national PSHE syllabus, ensuring younger generations develop understanding and empathy around this natural life stage. Through her work, she demonstrated that addressing health topics which might be considered taboo strengthens rather than diminishes organisational effectiveness and professional development.
In collaboration with:
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at www.astellas.com.
About Women of Wearables
Women of Wearables started in 2016 as a small meetup group bringing together women in wearable technology. Since then, WoW has grown to be a leading global organisation and ecosystem that brings together like-minded women and allies in health tech, digital health and women’s health from more than 50 countries worldwide. Our members are startup founders, designers, technologists, industry experts, researchers, bloggers, journalists, investors, and many more. If you want to learn, network, and find your next job opportunity in health tech and femtech, you are in the right place. To learn more about Women of Wearables and to become a WoW member, click here.
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