Stakeholders spotlight women’s menopause challenges, demand greater support

Veteran Nollywood actor calls out president, governors, lawmakers’ wives

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By Henry Uche

Stakeholders have called for greater awareness, education and support for women navigating menopause, warning that the physical, emotional and social challenges associated with the transition remain poorly understood despite its profound impact on women’s health, family life and productivity.

Speaking at the Menopause West Africa Experience 2026 with the theme ‘Advancing the Conversation on Women’s Health, Wellbeing and Institutional Support’, the Chairman of the Organising Committee of Menopause West Africa, Mr Clifford Okwesi, acknowledged that menopause is a natural issue which has been handled in silence, but it is high time everyone lent their voices.

“Menopause is looked at like ageing and women don’t want to talk about ageing, even men, because people believe ageing means you are no longer useful again. Some women start menopause from 30, that comes with shocks which need to be balanced. So women should understand that menopause is not a spiritual attack nor something that reduces your worth as a woman. Today, we are inaugurating 100 menopause champions, each of them will have a thousand other women in their communities to help propagate the message to both young and advanced women.”

On her part, a veteran Nollywood actor, Patience Ozokwor (aka Mama G), called on the wives of all state governors, lawmakers and other leaders irrespective of their ages to support women particularly in the rural areas.

The veteran actor admonished young ladies and women to exercise their bodies, heed medical practitioners’ advice and moderate their lifestyle if they must enjoy their future.

“Today is too early. You are not too old to help yourself. Do things that help your body. Get up, walk around and don’t eat everything you see, don’t eat all the time. Our grandmothers were very strong at very old age. You can trek. Go to seminars, listen to quality programmes in the media and learn things that matter most. I’m like 68, and I can move my body anyhow because I started early. You must live to eat the fruits of your labour,” she charged women.

She challenged political leaders to tell Nigerians the truth about the state of the country, while urging Nigerians to do the right things at the right time. “I want the wives of the president, governors, local government chairmen who have once experienced it or will experience it soon to come to the aid of other women for education, awareness and other support systems.”

For the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), menopause is not a disease, but an experience that must be handled and managed carefully. The President of COWA, Mrs Kikilomo Adeniyi, represented by the Chairperson, Tincan Island Command, Mrs Caroline Ifeoluwa, said, “We know what we go through during menopause, but menopause is not the end of womanhood, but a new chapter of strength, wisdom and renewed purpose.”

She affirmed that the health, welfare and empowerment of women remain central to the vision and mission of COWA, because a healthy woman builds a stronger family. “This time, menopause is an open discussion. It is a stage in life which every woman must go through. At COWA, we intend to carry out the campaign in the churches, in the schools, and other public places.”

Powered by Menofix Herbal Capsules, the organisers added that Menopause West Africa Experience is a platform that brings together women, healthcare professionals, policymakers, corporate organisations, wellness practitioners and community stakeholders to advance understanding, care and support for women navigating menopause and midlife.

Understandably, menopause is a natural life transition which to an extent has remained poorly understood and insufficiently discussed in many homes, workplaces and healthcare settings. For millions of women, the experience raises important questions about access to credible health information, appropriate care and emotional wellbeing. Hence the need for workplace support and the systems that help women thrive through midlife and beyond becomes imperative.

Keynote address by Lauren Chiren, founder of Women of a Certain Stage, UK, advocated practical support, informed choices and meaningful actions for women at all stages of life.

A panel session hinged on ‘Policy, Practice, Power & Perception’ examined how institutions, workplaces, public narratives and accountability shape women’s experiences of menopause. Experts called for a concerted effort to help the aforementioned vulnerable ones in the society.

Attendees had access to the Pause & Flourish Lounge, a curated midlife wellness experience featuring health and wellness engagement, one-on-one consultations, fitness and movement, nutrition, lifestyle offerings and the Pure Stories Studio, where women share their experiences and perspectives. “All hands must be on deck to advance the cause of women, as pillars of economic development,” they maintained.

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