The Menopause West Africa Experience is set to take place on October 24, 2026, at Landmark, Lagos, and aims to 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.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 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.
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 event will 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.
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. Chairman of the Organising Committee, Clifford Okwesi, said the initiative would bring together individuals and institutions capable of improving outcomes for women experiencing menopause.
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.
Key points
- The Menopause West Africa Experience aims to make menopause a more openly discussed and better-supported stage of women's lives.
- The initiative seeks to encourage greater understanding, promote practical solutions, and build stronger support systems for women navigating midlife.
- The event will feature multidisciplinary sessions covering various aspects of menopause, including medical and reproductive health, mental health, and workplace wellbeing.
