Two NASUWT members have been recognised for their efforts to improve working conditions for women living with endometriosis.
Hazel Gardiner from Ayrshire and Livvi Brooks from Stirling were jointly announced as winners of the Women’s Campaign Award at the recent STUC Women’s Conference in Glasgow. The STUC is the umbrella body bringing together trade unions in Scotland.
Hazel played a key role in the development of our guidance for members on managing endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids at work through her experience of living with endometriosis, a gynaecological condition which can leave women experiencing severe pain, bloating and heavy or painful periods, among other symptoms.
Since the guidance was published Hazel has continued to push for the adoption of workplace policies which support the health of women living with these conditions. She has also made herself available to support other members in managing their conditions.
Earlier this year Hazel played a key role in organising and speaking at an NASUWT webinar event for members on endometriosis which attracted a record number of participants from across the country.
As a result of Hazel’s activism and advocacy, Livvi was encouraged to become active within the Union and also spoke and took questions from members at the webinar.
Both women have since delivered a presentation to members at our Scotland Equality Conference earlier this year and Livvi delivered further training this month to our Health and Safety Reps in Scotland on gender-sensitive risk assessment, to help ensure the needs of those living with conditions such as endometriosis are better considered by schools.
Hazel and Livvi's advocacy and campaigning has not only raised awareness of endometriosis and other associated gynaecological conditions, but has also created a programme for organising around women’s health more broadly, supported by a member led professional learning programme for reps and members to increase both awareness and support within an increasing number of schools.
Their work does not stop there; both women are also active within their own communities and online to support those living with endometriosis. Livvi runs ‘Bloody Amazing’ a Scottish teacher-led social enterprise that design and deliver workshops on all things menstrual cycle health and menopause in schools.
