Breaking the Silence: How Women's Health Stigma Is Derailing Accounting Careers

Persistent Stigma in Accounting

New independent research commissioned by ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland) has uncovered a persistent culture of stigma surrounding women's health and wellbeing in the accounting profession. This groundbreaking study highlights how experiences of menstruation, menopause, and miscarriage—collectively referred to as the 3M—continue to impact women's career progression and overall wellbeing.

Widespread Discrimination and Exclusion

While trust in the profession remains high, the report reveals that nearly three in four professionals have faced discriminatory or exclusionary behavior at work. It underscores that cultural, environmental, and policy gaps are hindering true inclusion. The research, involving academics from Edinburgh, Heriot Watt, and Newcastle Universities, calls for evidence-based reforms to better support women.

Key Findings

• Culture of stigma and silence: Many women feel isolated and fearful of discussing the 3M, often making career decisions based on these experiences.
• Leadership and role models matter: Male-dominated leadership teams perpetuate silence; empathetic, people-focused leadership is crucial.
• Workplace design and environment: Lack of privacy, inadequate breaks, and poor office layouts increase stress and discomfort.
• Flexible work patterns: Rigid structures exacerbate challenges in managing the 3M, leading to heightened anxiety.
• Policy gaps: Few organizations have meaningful 3M policies, and existing ones are often tokenistic.
• Role of professional bodies: Rarely seen as supportive, yet they are uniquely positioned to drive sector-wide change, especially for self-employed professionals and SMEs.

Call for Change

ICAS's report urges immediate action across the profession:

• Supportive leadership: Normalize open conversations, mentorship, awareness-raising, and encourage male allies.
• Flexible working arrangements and improved workspaces: Enhance wellbeing and comfort through adaptable policies and better physical environments.
• Inclusive policies: Move beyond gestures to demonstrate real organizational commitment.
• Proactive leadership from professional bodies: Champion wellbeing, integrate 3M awareness into mentoring and CPD, and set new standards for inclusion.

James Baird CA, chair of ICAS's Shaping the Profession programme, emphasized: "This research is about shaping solutions, not just finding problems. It was designed to shine a light on issues ignored for too long. Menstruation, menopause, and miscarriage affect every workplace, yet they're rarely discussed openly. By breaking that silence, we can create a profession where women feel supported and valued—not sidelined because of natural life experiences."

For more details on the 3M report and ICAS's initiatives, click here.