Expression of Interest: Menopause Awareness Programme for the Screen Sector
Date the programme would commence: Jan 2025
Duration: 5 sessions across the programme
Cost: Free
Venue: TBC
Tutor(s): Various experts
Programme Profile:
This programme would run over 5 sessions, it will be possible to attend 1 session or all sessions.
The National Talent Academies are looking at leading a menopause awareness programme tailored for the screen sector. Each session is designed to address key aspects of menopause education, awareness, and support within a culturally sensitive and supportive framework.
Approximately half of our global population are people born with wombs who will go through the menopause when they reach middle-age (or before in some cases) .
The definition of menopause according to the World Health Organisation and the British Menopause Society is that it is the time leading up to a person's menstrual periods permanently stopping, marking the end of their reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years and is caused by a decline in ovarian function and circulating estrogen levels. This natural biological process can bring about significant physical, psychological and social changes.
World Health Organization (2021): "In 2021, women aged 50 and over accounted for 26% of all women and girls globally. This was up from 22% 10 years earlier."
McKinsey Gender Inequality in Media and Entertainment (2020): "Women are among the largest consumers of film and television, so they represent a key demographic for this industry and the advertisers that support it."
Claire Loftus, Former Director of Public Prosecutions (2024): "Workplaces must implement menopause-friendly policies to maintain skilled senior female workers, or risk damaging business."
Proposed Programme:
1. Menopause 101: Understanding the Basics
- Description: This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of menopause, including the biological, psychological, and physiological changes people experience. It aims to demystify menopause and provide fundamental knowledge. Please note medical advice won’t be given as part of this course.
2. Navigating the Change: Soft Skills for Menopause Management
- Description: This session focuses on developing soft skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, and stress management to help crew and managers better support themselves or colleagues going through menopause.
3. Cultural Conversations: Perceptions of Mid-Life Women
- Description: This course explores the cultural perceptions and stereotypes of mid-life women in western society, highlighting how these views impact women's experiences of menopause both in society and in the workplace.
4. Reframing Menopause: Changing the Narrative in Media
- Description: A targeted session for screenwriters, directors, and producers on how to portray menopause in film and television in a way that is accurate, respectful, and progressive, aiming to shift public perceptions and narratives.
5. Creating Supportive Workspaces: Effective Practices
- Description: This workshop focuses exclusively on implementing effective practices in the workplace to support menopausal people. It covers practical strategies such as creating comfortable physical environments, fostering open communication, and promoting initiatives that foster an inclusive workplace, ensuring the industry retains experienced, skilled crew.
Express your Interest Procedure:
Please express your interest online at this link
For technical difficulties with the online system please email jade.travers@nationaltalentacademies.ie
National Talent Academies courses are open to all regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
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