Women across Lagos, Abuja, Jos, and Port Harcourt have participated in a health walk organised by Meno Haven to commemorate World Menopause Day, calling for greater awareness, open conversations, and community support for women experiencing menopause, a transition affecting more than 20 million Nigerian women.
   
The event, tagged, “Steps That Break the Silence,” featured a morning exercise session, health talks, and wellness checks. It was aimed at breaking the silence surrounding menopause, dismantling stigma, and promoting lifestyle medicine as a compassionate approach to managing the transition.
   
According to the group, more than 20 million Nigerian women are currently in the menopausal transition, yet many continue to face stigma, misdiagnosis and silence due to lack of awareness and cultural misconceptions.
   
Through initiatives like the World Menopause Day Walk, Meno Haven said it hopes to foster a culture where menopause is openly discussed, understood and supported as a natural part of womanhood.
   
Founder of the group, Adeyinka Aderoju, said the platform was created to educate and support women going through menopause by providing a safe space to share experiences and connect with others. 

She explained that the initiative was inspired by her personal experience of severe menopausal symptoms, including insomnia, heart palpitations, and panic attacks without proper guidance.
 
Aderoju said: “I didn’t really have any guidance. I didn’t have anyone to tell me what I was going through. I felt this was something that a lot of my friends didn’t know about. 
 
“Education and knowledge are important because when you are informed, things don’t take over you. Join Meno Haven. You’re not alone. It’s a sisterhood. We are now knowledgeable, well informed and able to help others.”
   
A member of the Meno Haven community, Ayeni Eunice Debola, underscored the need for awareness and community support, noting that many women misinterpret menopausal symptoms for illness or spiritual problems due to lack of information.
   
Another participant, Mrs. Iyabo Oloruntoba, shared how awareness and lifestyle changes helped her cope with the transition.
 
She said she experienced hot flushes, body aches, insomnia and forgetfulness, which affected her daily life until she began regular walks, exercises, and self-education on menopause.