Shining a Spotlight on Male Allyship at the Menopause Workplace Excellence Awards
The Menopause Workplace Excellence Awards, held on October 10 at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin, marked a new chapter in workplace inclusivity by introducing the Male Allyship Award. The Awards were hosted in partnership with Great Place to Work Ireland and were sponsored by Irish Life Health and Astellas Pharma. This ground-breaking award acknowledges men who actively support their female colleagues as they navigate the challenges of menopause—a topic that has traditionally been overlooked in workplace culture.
The inaugural Male Allyship Award was proudly presented to Lee O’Donoghue, a store manager at Lidl Ireland in Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Lee was recognised for his exceptional commitment to fostering a supportive environment for female colleagues experiencing menopause, making him a pioneer in normalising conversations around this crucial issue.
Lee O’Donoghue, Lidl (R) is presented with the Male Allyship Award by Sarah Conlon, Strategic Corporate Sales Manager, Irish Life Health (L)
Why Male Allyship Matters
While menopause primarily affects women, the impact of menopause reaches the entire workplace. Symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, and brain fog can significantly affect productivity and well-being, causing some women to cut back on hours or even leave their jobs.
Loretta Dignam, CEO of Menopause Hub Academy, emphasised the importance of including men in the conversation:
“Menopause cannot only be a women’s issue or conversation. We need to engage men too—both personally and professionally. This award celebrates those men who are actively and visibly championing menopause in their workplace.”
The facts are clear:
10% of menopausal women leave the workforce due to their symptoms.
Over one-third consider leaving their job due to difficulties managing menopause at work.
Recognising male allies like Lee O'Donoghue helps to address this challenge. Men in leadership positions or on the frontlines of day-to-day operations can foster empathy and understanding, creating a more inclusive culture for everyone.
Lee O’Donoghue with some of his Lidl colleagues. From L to R: Lee O’Donoghue, Lilia Burke, Lorraine Garvey, Patrick Delaney.
Championing Menopause-Friendly Workplaces
By openly supporting their female colleagues, male allies help destigmatise discussions around menopause. They encourage workplaces to implement policies such as flexible schedules, access to health resources, and mental health support, ensuring that menopause is treated as a normal part of working life.
Lee O'Donoghue’s recognition at the Menopause Workplace Excellence Awards is an example of how simple acts of support can make a meaningful difference. As Lidl Ireland continues to champion inclusive policies, Lee’s leadership offers a model for businesses across Ireland and beyond.
A Call to Action
The Male Allyship Award sends a powerful message: men have a key role to play in building menopause-inclusive workplaces. When men like Lee step up, it not only supports their female colleagues but also benefits the entire organisation by retaining talent and promoting well-being.
As businesses around Ireland embrace menopause-friendly policies, the hope is that more men will follow Lee O'Donoghue's example. His recognition at the Menopause Workplace Excellence Awards is a landmark moment, showing that allyship is not just about supporting female colleagues—it’s about creating healthier workplaces for everyone.
By breaking the silence around menopause, male allies can be the catalyst for cultural change, ensuring that no woman feels isolated or unsupported during this life stage. Many thanks to Lee O'Donoghue for his commendable efforts and here’s to inspiring more men to become allies in the workplace!