By Marie Morice, Policy Campaigner at Wen and sexologist
The government’s decision to renew the Women’s Health Strategy marks an important moment. After years of women saying they are not listened to, this renewal signals a real opportunity to reshape how our health system, employers and public bodies support women across the country. (Government announces Women’s Health Strategy to be renewed – GOV.UK)
As a sexologist and Wen’s Policy Campaigner, I see daily how women’s health and sexual and reproductive health are closely tied to their ability to thrive at work. When conditions like endometriosis or PCOS are misunderstood, when menstrual health is dismissed, or when reproductive healthcare barriers go unaddressed, the impact on women’s working lives is immediate and profound.
The recent commentary from Prof Geeta Nargund highlights this clearly: gynaecological conditions cost the UK around £11 billion a year in absenteeism. Fifteen percent of women move to part-time roles because of their health. Fourteen percent leave work completely. Almost a third say they do not receive adequate support from their employers. These numbers reflect an urgent systemic issue, not individual shortcomings. (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/nov/09/it-pays-to-support-womens-health-in-the-workplace)
This is why the renewed Strategy matters. It creates a chance to build a system that finally recognises women’s health as central to economic participation, prevention and wellbeing. It is encouraging that the government has already taken steps, from reducing gynaecology waiting lists to introducing menopause questions in the NHS Health Check. These early actions set the tone for a more proactive and prevention-focused approach.
At Wen, we believe the next phase of the Strategy is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between government, civil society and experts in women’s health. Organisations like ours bring decades of community insight, evidence, and practical experience – particularly on menstrual dignity, toxic chemical exposure, and SRHR. This expertise can help ensure the Strategy is not only ambitious on paper but effective in practice.
As part of our contribution, Wen will be writing to Dame Lesley Regan and engaging with the Department of Health and Social Care to support the development and implementation of policies that centre workplace health, menstrual dignity and SRHR. We want to work constructively with the government to help shape guidance that employers can realistically adopt, and to ensure that women’s lived experience informs every step of the process.
Because the truth is simple: when women’s health is taken seriously, everyone benefits. Healthier workplaces, stronger participation, and a more equitable economy are all within reach – but only if we work together. The renewed Strategy is an important step. What matters now is how we use it.
MARIE MORICE, FEMINIST TOXIC FREE FUTURES POLICY CAMPAIGNER
Marie has over 25 years’ experience leading climate, sustainability, and gender equity initiatives at organisations including the UN and WWF. She is also a clinical sexologist, working at the intersection of women’s health, environmental justice, and SRHR. At Wen, Marie drives policy and campaign work on toxic chemicals, with a focus on protecting women’s health and advancing feminist approaches to environmental policy.
