Shobhna Ladva delivering her speech to a bustling International Women’s Day Reception highlighting the work Bayer are doing to #AccelerateAction on women’s health.
A Powerful Alliance for Change
At the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration hosted by Chamber UK and 50:50 Parliament, voices from across politics, healthcare and industry gathered to #AccelerateAction. Among them was Shobhna Lavda, Head of Women’s Health Franchise UK and Ireland, representing Bayer, a company with a century-long legacy in advancing women’s health.
“This year’s International Women’s Day theme – Accelerated Action – resonates deeply with our mission at Bayer, where women’s health has long been a priority.”
Lavda delivered a powerful case for why women’s health is not just a clinical issue – but a societal and economic one, too.
Spotlight on the Costs of Inaction
From gynaecological waiting lists to the economic toll of menstrual and menopausal health, Ladva presented a compelling picture of the systemic neglect surrounding women’s health.
“Absenteeism linked to menstrual health issues costs the UK an estimated £11 billion every year. And that’s not just a statistic – it represents real women, real lives.”
Shobhna Ladva, Head of Women’s Health Franchise UK and Ireland, Bayer
Bayer, alongside partners present in the room, has developed a policy paper urging government to reform national guidelines and improve access to treatments – particularly for conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding and menopause-related symptoms.
Leading Through Innovation, Education and Advocacy
Ladva described how Bayer is combining public policy advocacy with community-based support, aiming to shift more care into local settings and ease the burden on overstretched primary care services.
“Menopause is a unique journey for every woman…Many still feel isolated and confused due to the lack of clear, consistent guidance.”
Bayer’s new menopause self-care campaign seeks to empower women through accessible information and over-the-counter health solutions, tailored to diverse experiences.
And through their award-winning education initiative, The Truth Undressed, developed in partnership with the PSHE Association, Bayer is taking action earlier – helping girls understand their bodies, debunk myths, and build informed confidence from a young age.
“We’re helping young girls in schools understand their bodies and make informed decisions”, said Ladva.
A Call to Government and Collective Responsibility
Ladva concluded with a dual call-to-action: one to her peers and partners, and one to policymakers.
“Please continue working to ensure that the voice of women’s health rings loud and clear.
“And to the Government – we must now deliver on the recommendations in the Women’s Health Strategy.”
With a clear track record of action and collaboration, she made Bayer’s commitment clear – to remain at the forefront of shaping a better future for women’s health in the UK and beyond.
Watch, Share, Inspire
Inspired by Shobhna Ladva’s call to #AccelerateAction on women’s health?
Watch her full speech from Speaker’s House and hear how public-private partnerships, education, and policy reform can come together to deliver lasting change.
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Bayer has provided sponsorship funding, which supported logistics and materials for this event. Chamber maintained complete editorial control for the event and outputs.
Bicycle Therapeutics also provided sponsorship support, ensuring the success of the evening while allowing the organisers full independence over content and discussions.