In an effort to improve women’s health, women’s groups have urged government bodies, health institutions, and community organisations to mainstream menopause into national health strategies and workplace policies.

The stakeholders made the call at a one-day dialogue on Menopause, organized by Comfort Booth media production and the Talking Booth with the theme “Menopause: Equiping women with knowledge and support”

The Convener of the dialogue Comfort Booth in her opening remarks pointed out that the silence around menopause has gone on for too long saying they are creating a platform where knowledge becomes power, and power becomes policy.

She stressed that supporting women through menopause isn’t just a health issue as it’s an economic, social, and human rights imperative.

She urged policymakers to prioritise reforms that address the physical, psychological, and professional impacts of menopause, which can include symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties.

Booth highlighted the urgent need to break the silence and stigma surrounding menopause, with calls for robust policy frameworks to support women through this natural phase of life.

She emphasised that menopause, despite being a universal experience for women, remains clouded by misinformation and inadequate support systems.

Booth disclosed plans to host follow-up dialogues with men across different sectors to deepen awareness and drive the push for structural reforms that prioritize menopause as a vital issue in women’s health.

One of the speakers during the dialogue Zainab Ikaz Kassim stated that Menopause is not the end but a a transition, a new season after the spring of life and no woman should enter that season in silence or without support.

She called on the government to implement inclusive menopause policies in healthcare and the workplace, saying its not just a personal issue, but a public one, and a human rights imperative.”

The Executive Director Policy Innovation Center Dr Osasuyi Dirisu described menopause as a key issue in public health and policymaking and called for systemic reforms to ensure Nigerian women receive adequate support during this critical phase of life.

She urged government bodies, health institutions, and community organizations to mainstream menopause into national health strategies and workplace policies.

“We can no longer treat menopause as a private or invisible issue It’s time for policy-level interventions that ensure every woman entering this transition gets the care, information, and dignity she deserves.” she stated

Avabella Women’s Health/Tabitha Medical Centre,Dr. Chito Nvana, CEO emphasized the need for policies that mandate training for healthcare workers on menopause, create support systems in workplaces, and develop educational campaigns targeted at both women and men.

She maintained that menopause , though natural but often misunderstood and stigmatized, leaving women vulnerable to health risks and social isolation.

Dr Nvana called on policymakers to “bring menopause to the front burner,” advocating for clear protocols within hospitals, clinics, and employee wellness programs. She also urged that discussions on menopause be integrated into broader gender and health agendas, including mental health and non-communicable disease prevention.

“We want to see health workers, employers, and even spouses better informed and more supportive,” . “This is about equity in health and in life.”