Pip Edwards is usually content to let her catwalk creations do the talking. And, has rightfully earned her reputation as one of Australia’s most popular sports luxe designers. However, in a powerful move towards workplace inclusivity, the Australian fashion icon has recently partnered with Dove Deodorants to spark a much-needed conversation about menopause in the workplace. And, this October, in honour of World Menopause Awareness Month, Pip and Dove are uniting forces to challenge the stereotypes surrounding menopause and urge businesses to implement policies that support women through this life stage.
Pip gets personal
For Pip, this campaign is personal. Known for her entrepreneurial prowess as the co-founder of P.E. Nation, Pip is now stepping into a new spotlight – advocating for women going through menopause, a subject close to her heart. Having faced perimenopause at just 39, well before the typical age, Pip’s experience mirrors the hidden struggles of many women who often suffer in silence.
“I suffered in silence on all fronts,” Pip admits, reflecting on her journey through perimenopause. “There was no real knowledge or support, nor conversation or awareness. I hope we can break the taboo surrounding menopause, not just in the workplace but in all areas of life.” With this partnership, she’s hoping to inspire change and create a support system that women in the workplace so desperately need.
Breaking the silence on menopause in the workplace
For many women, menopause can feel like a battle fought behind closed doors. Dove’s new research initiative, Dove Menopause Insight (DMI), paints a stark picture of the realities faced by working women in Australia. Despite the growing number of women in the workforce, only 6% of workplaces currently offer policies or guidance on menopause. Even more startling, over half of working women (62%) report feeling comfortable discussing menopause at work, yet actionable support remains glaringly absent.
Nick Bangs, CEO of Unilever ANZ, echoed this concern, saying, “We were genuinely surprised by some of the findings from our DMI research. It raises the question: how do we bridge this disconnect?”
This campaign is not just about creating conversation – it’s about moving the needle towards real policy change. Alongside Menopause Friendly Australia, Dove has launched a dedicated microsite where employers and employees can find resources, policy templates, and conversation starters to help normalise discussions around menopause and inspire businesses to create supportive environments.
A broader conversation on women’s health
The timing couldn’t be more appropriate. Just last month, Australia’s Senate inquiry into menopause delivered a groundbreaking recommendation for the federal government to explore introducing paid, gender-inclusive reproductive health leave. This aligns perfectly with Dove’s mission to empower businesses to take menopause discussions seriously and offer the support women need to navigate this transformative time with dignity.
Through this collaboration, Dove continues its long-standing mission of championing women’s confidence, extending its commitment to the workplace. The Dove x Menopause Awareness Month campaign also brings attention to the brand’s Advanced Care deodorant, offering women a little extra comfort during moments when they need it most.