“Women can have it all, but they can’t do it all themselves,” observes Dr Shreeya Tewary, Bourn Hall Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist, ahead of the Rising Festival, in Cambridge on 21 September 2024, which will be celebrating women’s ‘potential, ambition, fulfilment and wellbeing’.
The conflict between the biological clock and the career clock will be part of the discussion in the open conversation session ‘Progress not Perfection’ chaired by Mary Hockaday, Master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge. Dr Tewary (pictured above) will be joined on the panel by Laura Wright, Consultant at TTP Group, and Gwen Wyatt-Moon, CEO of Prospectral. The session provides a space for women to embrace their journeys, reject the pressure of perfectionism, and celebrate progress at their own pace.
Time clocks are a big pressure and Dr Tewary argues that “Fertility should not just be a ‘woman’s issue’. The expectations of society for everyone to get fully qualified or trained in their late 20’s early 30’s creates a stress for all women, but particularly those that want to have children, and this is intensified if they struggle to conceive.”
Mary Hockaday agrees; “Life is long and with determination and the right support we can all make progress.
“It should not just be about us as individuals. Workplaces are making strides on flexible working, helping women (and men) manage the many demands on their lives at different stages. The conversations for instance about bullying and harassment and about menopause have been welcome, we're due one about fertility too so women who want a family don't feel their biological and career clocks have to clash.
“Navigating careers isn't easy, there's no-one way to do it. I'm really looking forward to our discussion about how to progress.”
Dr Tewary believes that work culture needs to become more supportive of people experiencing infertility.
A CIPD (2023) survey found that 40% of employers don’t have a fertility policy and don’t plan to introduce one, leaving those impacted by this medical condition feeling unsupported, isolated and in fear of discrimination.
To address this, the charity Fertility Network UK has developed ‘Fertility in the Workplace’ (FiTW) initiative, which encourages employers to develop pragmatic fertility policies, including flexibility to attend appointments. It also provides resources and practical support to employees.
Helen Turner, Head of Human Resources at Bourn Hall, is a coach at the Rising Festival, she had a 30-year career in the John Lewis Partnership before joining the clinic, and she believes that a supportive working environment is good for business, as well as employee wellbeing.
“Flexibility to attend appointments and promoting greater understanding of what fertility treatment involves are two practical ways in which a fertility policy can help employers provide a more supportive working environment and retain staff,” she says.
Helen looks forward to being a coach at the festival to have one-to-one private discussions with any attendees wishing to discuss juggling work pressures and fertility.
Lily Cheng founder of the Rising Network says that mentoring is a strong element of the event.
“I’m proud to see the Rising Festival bring people together to inspire and empower one another. This year’s event champions both personal and professional growth, fosters inclusive conversations and breaks down barriers. Together, we’re building a community where everyone can rise and thrive.”
Find out more about the Rising Festival at therisingnetwork.com/the-Rising-festival-2024.
See more about Fertility In The Workplace initiative at bit.ly/FiTWsupport
