Pioneer receives OU accolade for her work making like easier for menopausal women

Posted on 26 May 2022 • Honorary Graduate

A pioneer who is blazing a trail to raise the profile of women experiencing menopause symptoms while at work has been awarded an honorary degree by The Open University.

Deborah Garlick is the founder of the Henpicked website, an online community for women over 40 living with the menopause, and its sister organisation Menopause in the Workplace.

She received the accolade at a recent degree ceremony for her work in this field. Deborah, a former OU student who studied for an MBA 20 years ago, said:

“It was such an honour to receive this award and I certainly wasn’t expecting to receive this wonderful recognition for my passion – to change the way everyone thinks and feels about the menopause.

Giving people an understanding of what others struggle with

“Helping everyone understand what it is, what someone can do if they’re struggling with symptoms and how to support a partner, family member, friend or colleague is crucial. So it was also a pleasure to be able to talk about menopause to all the new graduates too. That said, being an OU Alumni, I know the OU cares about positive societal change and the menopause revolution reflects their values too.

“For everyone graduating my top tip would be appreciate the knowledge that you’ve acquired over the last few years and use that to boost your confidence for whatever it is you’re going to go on to do next.

Love what you do and do what you love

“And I think, from my experience, love what you do and do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life and that’s actually true so I hope you find your passion, too.”

Deborah’s passion is educating others, especially employers, about the effects of menopausal symptoms at work. Menopause in the Workplace offers training courses for employers, mental health first aiders and line managers.

HR and occupational health professionals and fellow workers are also encouraged to take part. The aim is to normalise menopause at work in the same way pregnancy and maternity leave is.

The average age menopausal symptoms begin is 48 and the average age when women reach the menopause is 51. A government report says women over 50 are among the fastest growing segment in the workplace.