With a Motion demanding action coming to council in November, the issue of menopause and period poverty is being highlighted by a coalition including Irise, Chula, Shipshape, Power over Periods and the GMB.

Cllr Dunn said

‘There are more than 13 million women currently experiencing menopause or perimenopause in the UK and a lack of awareness or support means many women are left to suffer the symptoms’

‘Women are a significant element in the City’s economy and are vital to helping families through the Cost-of-Living Crisis but cannot if they are too ill to work’

Fatima Basharat of Shipshape said;

‘Period poverty is a serious issue for women in our city which disproportionately affects disadvantaged and minority ethnic groups, creating indignity and serious mental health burden through stigma. Shipshape are working in the community to raise awareness and offer practical help’

Sarah Godfery of Chula said;

‘We are really concerned women and girls are struggling to afford period products. At Chula we are promoting education through our ‘Period Champions’ and are working with Cllr Dunn to make Sheffield a period aware city looking at how period poverty, shame and inequality can be addressed’

Emily Wilson of Irise said;

‘Period poverty is getting worse. We want to make Sheffield a beacon and make sure no one is held back. The Period charter will be the first of its kind and through this we can end period shame together’

Kath Robinson of the GMB said;

“GMB members have led the campaign to smash the stigma surrounding menopause across the country”

“Its great to see Sheffield City Councillor and GMB member Councillor Dunn taking up the call and spearheading the passage of this important motion.”

Cllr Dunn said;

‘The Government is failing to deliver on its promise to ensure the country is poverty free by 2025. By adopting ‘Smash the Stigma’ and developing a Period Equality charter we can address inequality and support women and girls to be healthy and reach their full potential’

‘At the next Full Council meeting Labour councillors will propose that Sheffield Council supports the ‘Smash the Stigma’ campaign.

‘We will commit Sheffield Council to working with partners throughout the city to stop women being disadvantaged at work because of menopause, and to doing everything we can collectively to tackle period poverty.