Australia Celebrates World Menopause Day (18 October) With Landmark Progress: Seven Accredited Workplaces and Fifty Committed. The Menopause Friendly Accreditation adds three more employers in Australia to it’s ranks.
Menopause Friendly Australia proudly announces a milestone for three more workplaces ahead of World Menopause Day 2025. There are now seven accredited Menopause Friendly employers across Australia, including newly recognised organisations Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), The Australian Institute of Management WA (AIM WA), and Flinders University. These employers join Deloitte, Anglo Gold Ashanti, St John WA and Australian Redcross Lifeblood who have achieved accreditation.
BMS made history by becoming the first employer accredited as Menopause Friendly in two geographical regions, Australia and Britian, demonstrating global leadership in staff wellbeing and inclusion. AIM WA marks another first, as Australia’s inaugural education institution to be accredited, while Flinders University, the first university to achieve accreditation in the region, joins a growing cohort actively championing health, safety, and productivity for those experiencing menopause at work.
Since the Menopause Friendly Australia membership launched in 2023, over 50 Australian employers have committed to making menopause support central to their workplace culture across diverse industries including banking, health, education, in the public service and not-for-profit sectors. This expanding movement reflects increasing momentum in the way Australian businesses prioritise gender equity, psychosocial safety, and the retention of experienced talent.
To earn accreditation, employers must meet rigorous standards in five areas: culture, policy, training, engagement, and environment. All accredited employers have proven their commitment to removing stigma, normalising conversations, and have made adjustments to support staff through this inevitable stage of life. Applications for accreditation are assessed by an independent panel of experts, and employers must evidence their achievements across all five pillars.
Owen Smith, General Manager of BMS Australia & New Zealand, said “I’m proud BMS is the first pharmaceutical company, and one of only seven organisations so far, in Australia to receive this recognition, which validates our efforts to support our employee’s experiencing menopause. Led by our passionate Bristol Myers Squibb Australia Network of Women employee group, I’m proud that BMS is setting a new standard for inclusion. By fostering open conversations and providing practical support, we’re helping to break the stigma and ensure our colleagues can thrive at every stage of life.”
Hear from Owen Smith on what achieving the Menopause Friendly Accreditation means to BMS.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Romy Lawson said “Flinders University is proud to be the first university to achieve this accreditation – a strong endorsement of the steps we are taking to support staff. By raising awareness about menopause and perimenopause we are fostering a workplace culture where staff feel seen, heard and empowered to speak up throughout every stage of their career. This milestone sets a new benchmark in the higher education sector for impactful equity and wellbeing programs.”
“World Menopause Day is about shining a light on the real actions employers are taking and celebrating those who have created genuinely supportive environments,” said Grace Molloy, co-founder and CEO of Menopause Friendly Australia. “We’re incredibly proud of the seven leading organisations who are now accredited and inspired by the fifty more organisations that have made a formal commitment to do better. Bristol Myers Squibb’s achievement across two regions is proof that when it comes to inclusion and wellbeing, our ambition should reach beyond borders. Together, we’re not just changing workplaces, we’re changing lives and setting a new global standard for support at work.”
Deborah Garlick, CEO and Founder of Menopause Friendly, said “We are absolutely delighted to see Bristol Myers Squibb achieve Menopause Friendly Accreditation in both the UK and Australia. This is a powerful demonstration of BMS’s commitment to supporting colleagues wherever they work, ensuring that menopause is understood, talked about and properly supported. Their leadership, engagement and practical action set a strong example for others and we’re proud to recognise them as trailblazers in creating truly inclusive workplaces across continents.”
The BMS project team lead by Danielle Morrish share their pathway to accreditation and the impact it has had on their people.
Start your journey to accreditation by joining Menopause Friendly Australia.