Last month, Chamber and 50:50 Parliament hosted a ‘Welcome to Parliament’ event for newly elected MPs, focusing on women’s health. Several MPs, health professionals, and campaigners highlighted the current issues surrounding women’s health and the urgent need to address them.
This event was kindly sponsored by Bayer, a leader in both pharmaceuticals and agricultural solutions, which has a long-standing commitment to improving women’s health through innovation and advocacy.
This article details a keynote speech by Carolyn Harris MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause, who shared her personal journey through menopause and her relentless campaign to raise awareness and drive change for women’s health.
From Personal Tragedy to Public Service
Carolyn Harris began her speech by reflecting on her life before entering Parliament. She spoke candidly about the tragedies and struggles she faced, including the devastating loss of her son in 1989 and her subsequent battle with grief. This profound loss shaped her worldview and was a catalyst for her eventual entry into politics. It was this personal pain that drove her to make significant changes in her life, leading her to university and, eventually, to a career in politics.
Harris highlighted how her experiences with injustice and poverty during this time fuelled her passion for campaigning, not just on menopause, but on issues ranging from children’s funeral costs to gambling legislation. She has been a relentless advocate for the voiceless, turning her personal challenges into a platform for public service. Her message was clear: life’s challenges can become a source of strength and purpose, especially in the fight for justice and equality.
The Hidden Struggles of Menopause
In a moving recount of her personal experience, Harris shared the deeply personal story of struggling with menopause without realising it. After a traumatic gynaecological experience in 2010, she endured years of depression, physical discomfort, and a sense of disconnection from her former self. Despite seeking medical help, Harris was misdiagnosed and prescribed antidepressants for eight years, while the true cause—menopause—went unrecognised.
This experience opened Harris’s eyes to a much larger issue: the widespread lack of knowledge about menopause among both women and healthcare professionals. She pointed out that in 41% of UK medical schools, there is no training on menopause, leaving many doctors ill-equipped to support women during this critical stage of life. The consequences of this knowledge gap are profound, often leading to years of unnecessary suffering for countless women who are misdiagnosed or untreated.
Campaigning for Change
Harris’s discovery that she had been menopausal for years was a turning point. Determined to take control of her health, she began hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and became a leading voice in the fight for menopause awareness. One of her significant achievements was securing a one-off payment for HRT prescriptions for women in England, a move that reflects her broader commitment to ensuring women across the UK receive the support they need.
However, Harris stressed that her campaign is not just about access to HRT. It’s about challenging the stigma and silence surrounding menopause and empowering women to own their experiences. She spoke passionately about the need to honour the women who endured menopause in silence in the past, while ensuring that future generations can live full, active, and vibrant lives. Harris’s advocacy is about more than just health; it is about ensuring dignity, respect, and understanding for all women as they navigate this natural phase of life.
Her work has already led to significant changes, including raising awareness among policymakers, health professionals, and the public. By shedding light on menopause, Harris is not only improving the lives of those currently experiencing it, but also paving the way for a more informed and supportive environment for future generations.
A Call to Action for New Parliamentarians
In her closing remarks, Harris urged the newly elected MPs to be fearless in their advocacy for what they believe in. She encouraged them to champion causes that resonate with them personally, emphasising that even the smallest victories can have a profound impact on the lives of people across the UK. Harris’s speech was not just a call to action on menopause, but a broader appeal for making women’s health a priority in Parliament.
She highlighted that by standing up for issues that matter, MPs can bring about real change. Her own journey from personal tragedy to becoming a powerful advocate in Parliament serves as a testament to what can be achieved when one’s passion and commitment are harnessed for the greater good. Harris’s words were a rallying cry for new MPs to be bold, to speak up, and to never underestimate the power of their voice in creating meaningful change.
Final Thought
Carolyn Harris MP’s speech at the ‘Welcome to Parliament’ event was a powerful reminder of the importance of raising awareness and driving change in women’s health, particularly in the area of menopause. Her personal journey, combined with her tireless advocacy, serves as an inspiration to all, highlighting that the fight for better healthcare and understanding is far from over.
As Harris aptly put it, the key to change lies in speaking out and working together to ensure that every woman in the UK can live her life to the fullest, without fear or shame. Her work stands as a beacon of hope for women everywhere, demonstrating that with determination and collective effort, significant strides can be made in the realm of women’s health.
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