Menopause, a natural stage in a woman's life affecting millions of Nigerians, took center stage in Abuja as stakeholders from health, legal, policy, and advocacy sectors gathered for Menopause Matters Nigeria 2026. This landmark awareness event aimed to break the long-standing silence surrounding the subject.
Event Overview
The event was organized by UK-based menopause specialist and founder of Hallmark Health Limited, Dr. Odinaka Nwodo-Ezeribe. It was held at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) under the theme, “Breaking the Silence, Empowering the Future.” The gathering brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, diplomats, community leaders, legal experts, and members of the public to discuss challenges faced by women during menopause and the need for greater awareness and support.
Keynote Address
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 due to inadequate information, cultural misconceptions, and limited access to specialized care.
Human Rights Perspective
The National Human Rights Commission, which hosted the event, underscored the growing recognition of menopause as an issue extending beyond healthcare into human rights and social inclusion. The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu (SAN), attended the program and lent support to calls for greater attention to women's health concerns during midlife.
Challenges Faced by Women
Participants stressed that women experiencing menopause often encounter significant challenges, including difficulties in accessing accurate information, delayed diagnosis, and a lack of workplace support. These challenges can affect productivity, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
Collaborations and Partnerships
A major highlight of the program was the collaboration between local and international organizations 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.
The Menopausal Community Support Initiative (MCSI), a Nigeria-based organization, also played a prominent role, bringing grassroots perspectives to discussions on how awareness can be expanded beyond urban centers and professional circles to reach women in communities across the country.
Diverse Attendance
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.
Expert Presentations
The program featured presentations by experts from various fields. Delivering the keynote address titled “Breaking the Silence, Empowering the Future,” Dr. Chito Nwana, Medical Director and CEO of Arabella Women's Health and Wellness Centre, called for greater awareness of menopause and improved access to healthcare services.
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
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.
Interactive Sessions
The event 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 aging. They also pointed to the lack of awareness about menopause-related mental health challenges, which often go unrecognized and untreated.
Male Participation
Male participants at the event also contributed to the conversation, acknowledging the need for greater understanding and support for women navigating menopause. Speakers emphasized that menopause should not be viewed solely as a women's issue but as a societal concern requiring the involvement of families, employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
Statistics and Call to Action
Experts 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 called on governments, healthcare institutions, and employers to take deliberate steps toward improving menopause awareness, expanding access to specialized 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.
Looking Forward
The organizers 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.
