Menopause, a natural stage in a woman’s life that affects millions of Nigerians, took centre stage in Abuja as stakeholders from the health, legal, policy and advocacy sectors gathered for Menopause Matters Nigeria 2026, a landmark awareness event aimed at breaking long-standing silence around the subject.

The event, organised by UK-based menopause specialist and founder of Hallmark Health Limited, Dr Odinaka Nwodo-Ezeribe, was held at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) under the theme, “Breaking the Silence, Empowering the Future.”

It brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, diplomats, community leaders, legal experts and members of the public to discuss the challenges faced by women during menopause and the need for greater awareness and support.

Speaking at the event, Dr Nwodo-Ezeribe said menopause remains one of the least understood and least discussed health issues affecting women despite its impact on millions of lives.
She noted that many women continue to suffer in silence because of inadequate information, cultural misconceptions and limited access to specialised care.

The National Human Rights Commission, which hosted the event, underscored the growing recognition of menopause as an issue that extends beyond healthcare into the realm of human rights and social inclusion.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu (SAN), attended the programme and lent support to calls for greater attention to women’s health concerns during midlife.

Participants at the event stressed that women experiencing menopause often encounter significant challenges, including difficulties in accessing accurate information, delayed diagnosis and a lack of workplace support.
They argued that these challenges can affect productivity, mental wellbeing and overall quality of life.

A major highlight of the programme was the collaboration between local and international organisations working to improve awareness and support for menopausal women.

Among the key partners was Balance (UK), the world’s largest hormone health library founded by renowned menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson.
Through its partnership with Hallmark Health Limited, Balance provided educational materials covering symptom management, workplace rights, treatment options and lifestyle adjustments that can help women navigate menopause more effectively.

The Menopausal Community Support Initiative (MCSI), a Nigeria-based organisation, also played a prominent role in the programme, bringing grassroots perspectives to discussions on how awareness can be expanded beyond urban centres and professional circles to reach women in communities across the country.

The audience reflected a diverse cross-section of Nigerian society. Among those in attendance were former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Barrister Stella Odife; Director of Women and Children at the NHRC, Mrs Ngozi Okorie; consultant geriatrician and Head of the Geriatric Unit at the National Hospital Abuja, Dr Ogugua Osiogbu; Mrs Magdalene Ekpang; Chief Mrs Tina Nwodo; Dr Nkechi Ayogu Eze; Dr Unaogu; and development consultant Dr Nguyan Feese.
The programme featured presentations by experts from various fields.

Delivering the keynote address titled “Breaking the Silence, Empowering the Future,” Dr Chito Nwana, Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Arabella Women’s Health and Wellness Centre, called for greater awareness of menopause and improved access to healthcare services for women experiencing symptoms.

Nutritionist Chinenye Mgbojikwe spoke on the role of healthy eating in managing menopausal symptoms, while physiotherapists Stephanie Udoh and Tochukwu Igwe led an interactive session on the importance of physical activity and mobility during midlife.

Legal issues surrounding menopause also formed part of the discussions. Genevieve Nwodo Wakeley-Jones, a dual-qualified corporate and commercial lawyer in England, Wales and Nigeria, examined workplace rights and the need for policies that protect women facing menopause-related challenges.

The event also featured an interactive question-and-answer session moderated by Dr Ogechukwu Yvonne Onugu, a general practitioner with a specialist interest in women’s health.
A panel discussion brought together experts and participants to examine the broad impact of menopause on women, families and workplaces.
Discussions focused on issues ranging from perimenopause and post-menopausal health to mental wellbeing, workplace productivity and family relationships.

Participants highlighted concerns about the widespread misunderstanding of menopause in Nigeria, noting that many women are often misdiagnosed or told that their symptoms are simply signs of ageing.

They also pointed to the lack of awareness about menopause-related mental health challenges, which often go unrecognised and untreated.
Male participants at the event also contributed to the conversation, acknowledging the need for greater understanding and support for women navigating menopause.
Speakers emphasised that menopause should not be viewed solely as a women’s issue but as a societal concern that requires the involvement of families, employers, healthcare providers and policymakers.

Experts at the event noted that an estimated 30 to 40 million Nigerian women are currently in the perimenopausal or post-menopausal stage of life.
Despite these numbers, menopause remains largely absent from public health policy discussions and workplace frameworks.

Participants therefore called on governments, healthcare institutions and employers to take deliberate steps toward improving menopause awareness, expanding access to specialised care and creating supportive environments for women.
They argued that addressing menopause more effectively would not only improve health outcomes but also enable women to continue contributing meaningfully to their families, workplaces and communities.

The organisers expressed hope that Menopause Matters Nigeria 2026 would serve as a catalyst for sustained advocacy and policy engagement.
For many attendees, the event marked an important step towards ending the silence surrounding menopause and ensuring that millions of Nigerian women receive the understanding, support and care they deserve.