Breaking the Taboos

In many corporate settings, women’s health issues are still uncomfortable topics that are often disregarded or dismissed. However, by acknowledging and openly discussing these topics, sharing personal stories, and encouraging empathy, leaders can create a culture of understanding and support, in turn, retaining more satisfied employees.

To normalise conversations about women’s health, it is essential to create an environment that fosters empathy, understanding, and open dialogue. Managers and corporate seniors play a crucial role in facilitating these discussions and providing a safe space for employees to voice their concerns. 

By initiating these conversations, leaders can help break down the barriers of silence and stigma surrounding women’s health issues, encouraging their female employees to seek support, access resources, and take proactive steps towards their well-being.

The Red Line

Let’s highlight some of the main areas that have historically been considered a red line or taboo and subjected to societal discomfort and silence. These taboo topics often relate to reproductive health, sexuality, and certain bodily functions. Below are just a few of the many examples:

Menstruation: Cultural taboos, misinformation, and the implementation of the pink tax have all contributed to the shaming and stigmatization surrounding menstruation. This has led to limited education, a lack of access to menstrual products, and a general reluctance to openly discuss menstruation and its effects on the body.

Menopause: Many completely disregard it leading to a lack of understanding and support for women experiencing this transition. Menopause has a physical as well as mental impact. Symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in sexual desires can be utterly challenging for women.

Sexual and Reproductive Health: Topics such as, but not limited to, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Polycystic ovary syndrome, (PCOS) sex and sexual pleasures are still considered taboo in many societies. This results in inadequate sexual education, restricted reproductive rights, and limited discussions about overall health and well-being.

Endometriosis & Pelvic Floor Health: Endometriosis is a painful condition that can affect the overall quality of life. Given how common endometriosis is becoming, it is shameful that there is such a lack of education about it. 

Pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, affect many women but are often overlooked and deemed embarrassing. 

Postpartum Mental Health: The societal pressure to be a “perfect mother” can make it difficult for women to seek help or discuss their struggles openly. This can have a significant impact on their well-being and that of their families. Pain is not part and parcel of being a mum and should not be quietly accepted as so. 

The stigma surrounding these conditions can prevent women from seeking appropriate medical care, leading to unnecessary added potential physical and emotional stress. These are merely some of the many health struggles that women face. Efforts are being made to break down these taboos and encourage open conversations about women’s healthcare. The Journal of Science Education discusses the various ways that these taboos can be shattered. 

Advocacy, education, and destigmatization campaigns play crucial roles in challenging societal norms and promoting better understanding, access to care, and support for women in these areas.

The TEDx Role

TEDxAmsterdam Women Salons are exclusive partners and member-only events that provide a platform for managers and corporate seniors to engage in meaningful discussions and explore topics crucial for women’s empowerment. 

These intimate gatherings create a nurturing environment where leaders can openly share ideas, exchange best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions. This, upcoming July Conversations event centers around the topic ‘Invisible conversations about health.’ We believe an open conversation is the first step for fostering real change. 

Reconstructing Normalcy

Together we can break this culture of silence around these topics and reconstruct what is normal for the generations to come. Here are five ways to actively work towards beginning to shatter the taboos surrounding women’s healthcare:

Education and Awareness: Promote comprehensive education and awareness campaigns that address the taboo topics in women’s healthcare. This can include developing inclusive education programs in schools and corporations, organising community workshops and discussions, or utilising various media platforms to disseminate accurate information.

Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster safe spaces and platforms for open dialogue about women’s healthcare. This can be done through community forums, support groups, or public events where women can openly share their experiences, concerns, and questions without fear of judgment or stigma. 

Challenge Stigma and Myths: Actively challenge the stigma and myths associated with women’s healthcare. This involves addressing misconceptions, providing evidence-based information, and debunking harmful beliefs. 

Public figures and influencers can play a significant role in using their platforms to speak openly about these topics and promote acceptance and understanding.

Advocacy: Advocacy can come in many forms, from fundraising for research, pushing for better regulations within our counties and providing cultural sensitivity training in organisations. These can all contribute to shattering the taboos around women’s healthcare topics. 

Share Personal Stories: Encourage women to share their personal stories and experiences. Personal narratives have a powerful impact on challenging stereotypes, providing support to others, and humanising these issues. 

By sharing stories through blogs, social media, or even traditional media outlets, women can contribute to the normalisation of these conversations and empower others to do the same.

Shattering taboos is an ongoing process that requires time, patience and collective efforts. Many brands have taken the initiative to break the silence on these topics and we applaud them. It’s important to approach these conversations with empathy and respect.

A note to organisations

Managers and corporate seniors have a responsibility to educate themselves and their teams about women’s health issues. By staying informed and up-to-date with the latest research and guidelines, the human resources department can help leaders make informed decisions and offer appropriate support to their female employees. 

This knowledge equips leaders with the tools they need to create a workplace culture that supports and empowers women in their health journeys making them one step closer towards taking correct diversity and inclusion measures. 

Conclusion

There is a long way to go for women’s healthcare topics to become normal and publicly accepted. The journey will include a lot of unbiased medical research to expand education, and openness from individuals to accept and address their symptoms and share their stories. 

You can take part today in breaking these taboos around women’s healthcare and turning this idea worth spreading into a movement of change. Become a member today and partner with TEDxAmsterdam Women. Join us in creating real change for a better more inclusive tomorrow. 

If you are interested to know more about women’s healthcare, check out these informative eye-opening TED videos.  

It’s Time to Talk About Women’s Health

Join the cysterhood: Uncovering a blind spot in women’s health

Why can’t we talk about periods?