Survey calls for better support for women's health concerns

Wednesday 16 March 2022

A new survey has reported almost two thirds of respondents believe that there is a lack of support in the Channel Islands for women's health issues.

Conducted on behalf of the marketing firm, The Brand Champions, the survey of 1,167 people also reported that more than half (52%) did not feel supported in the workplace - only 18% of respondents said their current workplace offered support on women’s health related concerns.

The Brand Champions will be hosting an event tomorrow at the Pomme D'Or Hotel to highlight the need for action on women's wellbeing - Express is a media partner. 

Founder, of The Brand Champions, Fiona Wylie said: 

“We commissioned the research to understand attitudes to female health…the findings make alarming reading and will provide the basis of discussion for our first ‘Championing Women’s Health’ event this coming Thursday."

 

 

 

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"Our hope is that we can make business leaders and decision makers in the island wake up to the importance of having women's health policies in the workplace, and to make sure islanders feel listened to, supported and respected when talking about a health issue," Ms Wylie commented. 

“The research shows a devastating lack of support in many Jersey workplaces for employees with women’s health concerns. These concerns range from period pain (72%)*, heavy menstrual bleeding (63%)*, miscarriage (21%)*, fertility problems (17%)* and post-partum depression (16%)* amongst others. Over half of those who have experienced women’s health issues felt anxious and worried about how this might impact their quality of life and around a third were embarrassed. We believe by normalising the conversation around some of these taboo subjects, we can help ensure that fewer women experience these feelings and improve access to the support women need when they need it most."

Pictured: Fiona Wylie - "The research shows a devastating lack of support in many Jersey workplaces for employees with women’s health concerns."

Profits from ticket sales for tomorrow's event are being donated to gynaecological cancer charity, The Eve Appeal, which was set up to prevent gynaecological cancers by funding research focused on developing effective methods of risk prediction, earlier detection and developing screening for all of the five gynae cancers.

“The Brand Champions had me hooked when they shared with me some of the shocking statistics on the gender health gap and how this can hinder career growth for women. I’m a huge fan of creating a workplace culture where no subject is taboo and where everyone has an opportunity to succeed, so sponsoring this event is one small way in which Intertrust can raise the profile of these important women’s health issues and make sure that they get the right level of attention.

"Knowing that the funds raised from this event will help The Eve Appeal charity is the cherry on the top and matches perfectly with our quarterly wellbeing theme - ‘Giving Back Together’,” said Candice Tabb, HR director, Intertrust Group, one of the sponsors.

Other sponsors include Healthspan and Affinity.

Panelists at the event will include: 

Dr Sarah Brewer - GP and Medical Director at Healthspan

Neil McLachlan MBE, FRCOG - Founder of the women's wellness clinic at Indigo Medical Centre, Jersey

Lynne Capie - Consultant for Appleby

Lauren Lowe – Captain, Jersey Reds Ladies Rugby Team

Matt Falla – Managing Director, Smith & Williamson International 

Fiona Wylie - CEO and Founder of Brand Champions (Chairperson)

Tickets to attend virtually can be found here  

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