The inaugural edition, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Landmark, Lagos, will provide a platform for evidence-based discussions, practical health education and collaborative solutions to address the physical, emotional, social and economic realities of menopause.

The initiative comes amid growing calls for greater awareness of menopause and its implications for women’s health and quality of life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises that menopause can affect women’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing, with symptoms potentially influencing their daily activities, relationships and professional lives.

However, limited awareness, persistent stigma and inadequate access to information and support continue to shape many women’s experiences of this natural stage of life.

The Menopause West Africa Experience aims to bridge these gaps by providing credible, stigma-free information, connecting women with healthcare providers and wellness professionals, and fostering supportive communities where they can share experiences and access practical guidance.

The 2026 conference will feature multidisciplinary sessions covering medical and reproductive health, mental health and identity, workplace and economic wellbeing, lifestyle and preventive health, as well as community engagement and storytelling.

Discussions will examine perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, symptom management, treatment options, sexual health, long-term health risks, emotional wellbeing, body image and changing family and social roles.

The programme will also explore the implications of menopause for women’s careers and economic participation, including workplace productivity, leadership, career reinvention, financial planning and the development of menopause-inclusive workplace policies.

Speaking on the initiative, Secretary of the Organising Committee, Zimbiat Kazeem, said the platform was created to ensure women have access to reliable information, practical guidance and meaningful support as they navigate midlife.

“The Menopause West Africa Experience was created to provide women with access to credible information, practical guidance and meaningful support as they navigate midlife. More open, informed conversations about menopause are needed, and we want to create an environment where women can ask questions, learn from healthcare professionals, share their experiences, and discover solutions that support their wellbeing.

“We believe that by bringing different stakeholders together, we can contribute to changing the way menopause is understood and supported across the region,” she said.

A key feature of the event will be the Pause & Flourish Lounge, an immersive space offering wellness, beauty, fashion, nutrition, movement, self-care and lifestyle experiences tailored to women navigating midlife.

Through interactive activities, consultations and brand activations, participants will have opportunities to explore wellness solutions, engage with familiar and emerging brands, and discover practical approaches to maintaining their health and wellbeing.

The event will also feature main-stage conversations, including a panel by Guardian Woman and a signature health panel organised by the Association of West African Societies of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Experts from healthcare, wellness, corporate organisations, policy, advocacy and community groups are expected to contribute perspectives on menopause and women’s health.

Beyond the conference sessions, participants will be able to engage in expert-led practical activities, access wellness screenings and assessments, consult healthcare professionals, build peer networks and obtain referrals and resources for continued support after the event.

Chairman of the Organising Committee, Clifford Okwesi, said the initiative would bring together individuals and institutions capable of improving outcomes for women experiencing menopause.

“The Menopause West Africa Experience provides an opportunity to bring together the people and institutions that can contribute to better outcomes for women navigating midlife. Menopause affects different areas of a woman’s life, and addressing these experiences requires conversations that go beyond healthcare to include workplaces, families, communities and wider society.

“Through this platform, we hope to encourage greater understanding, promote practical solutions and build stronger support systems for women,” he said.

Another major highlight will be the launch of The Menopause Coaches Initiative, a programme designed to train and inaugurate a nationwide cohort of menopause coaches drawn from professional associations, community organisations, faith-based institutions and corporate networks.

The coaches are expected to provide education, support and referral services within their respective communities, extending the initiative’s reach beyond the event.

Through its combination of health education, professional engagement, lifestyle experiences and community-based support, the Menopause West Africa Experience seeks to make menopause a more openly discussed and better-supported stage of women’s lives, while encouraging institutions and communities to respond more effectively to women’s needs in midlife.