On Tuesday, September 12th, the Financial Secretary made a ground-breaking announcement, unveiling an upcoming evaluation aimed at delving into the profound impact of Endometriosis on individuals participation and career progression.
Image description: (left to right) Emma Cox, Atima Bhatnagar, Victoria Atkins MP, Carla Cressy, Stef Williams and Tracey Van Gemeren stand outside 10 Downing Street
Our Founder and Chief Executive, Carla Cressy, received an invitation to participate in a roundtable discussion hosted at Number 10 Downing Street. The purpose of this gathering was to introduce a comprehensive evaluation focused on comprehending the impact of Endometriosis within the workplace, with Victoria Atkins, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and Maria Caulfield MP, the Minister for Women's Health, leading the announcement.
Image description: (left to right) Carla Cressy, Victoria Atkins MP and Stef Williams inside 10 Downing Street
Endometriosis, a condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women and individuals assigned female at birth, manifests through a range of debilitating symptoms, including chronic pain, fatigue, and bladder and bowel dysfunction, among others. These symptoms disrupt daily routines, fertility, emotional well-being, and ability to maintain consistent employment.
Many individuals, including our esteemed founder, often find themselves compelled to take time off work to manage these challenging symptoms. For a significant portion of those affected, Endometriosis becomes a critical factor when making career decisions.
This forthcoming evaluation promises to explore innovative strategies and produce compelling evidence to assist individuals with Endometriosis in their efforts to re-enter the workforce or extend their working hours, should they choose to do so.
Given her personal experience with missed career opportunities and previous encounters with employers who failed to accommodate her condition, Carla's invitation to join this discussion alongside other dedicated advocates, including Health Minister Maria Caulfield, filled us with immense pride and optimism.
Image description: Carla Cressy inside 10 Downing Street. Watch the full video here.