Journeying through menopause with confidence
Our menopause champion Ruchi Vinu Jehoshaphat explains how a supportive, open culture can make a big difference.
Cultivating a culture of support and compassion, and normalising conversations around menopause, is essential in facilitating every woman’s journey through this life stage, particularly within societal contexts where such discussions remain a taboo.
“It is important that women feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of judgment or stigma,” said Ruchi Vinu Jehoshaphat, one of our menopause champions. “By providing the right support, we can pave the way for increased understanding and support within our communities,” she added.
As a menopause champion, Ruchi’s vision is to foster an environment where discussions surrounding menopause are characterised by openness, respect, and inclusivity. Ruchi shares what motivated her to join the menopause working group and how the Bank could support those who are going through menopause.
Has menopause impacted you personally?
While menopause has not impacted me yet, I often ponder its potential effects. When I first experienced menstruation, the access to information was limited and this made it challenging for me. Now, with easy access to the internet, I can use technology to gain comprehensive knowledge and benefit from the lived experiences of other women to understand how menopause could affect me and to navigate the next phase with certainty.
What motivated you to join the menopause working group?
There has always been a widespread silence surrounding menopause and perimenopause in India. Despite, the multifaceted impacts of menopause on women’s lives, there is a lack of support system and understanding of how it affects each person emotionally from friends, family, and colleagues.
The onset of menopause often coincides with a critical juncture in women’s professional trajectories, potentially influencing their pursuit of senior leadership roles. I wanted to understand how women could navigate this phase amidst the complexities of personal and professional responsibilities. Additionally, I want to offer myself as a trusted colleague to provide support to my peers during this transformative period.
Normalising the conversation is one of the key focus areas for us in the Bank.
How does the Bank support those impacted by menopause?
Several initiatives are in place in the Bank to educate and help colleagues who require support or to learn about menopause. One aim of the menopause working group is to emphasise the universal impact of menopause, transcending gender boundaries. Central to our mission is to dispel misconceptions, foster a culture of understanding and support, and promote open dialogue to destigmatise this topic.
By raising awareness and providing the right resources, we aim to equip colleagues and people leaders with the knowledge and tools to effectively support individuals experiencing menopause. We want to create a workplace environment where impacted individuals continue to feel included, valued, understood, and supported in navigating this significant life transition.
What resources do we have in the Bank to support our colleagues?
We have developed wellbeing podcasts, learning pathways for people leaders, and a Menopause Conversation Guide to facilitate discussions among colleagues.
Additionally, the Bank offers support through its Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and access to medical benefits, including consultation with empanelled doctors. We believe that these resources will greatly benefit individuals impacted by menopause with knowledge, support, and access to professional assistance when needed.
As a hybrid employer, we can also offer flexible working options for those in roles and markets where this is available.