Stakeholders have raised alarm over poor awareness and support for Nigerian women going through menopause, saying silence, stigma and lack of information are making millions suffer in secret.
They made the call at the *Menopause West Africa Experience 2026*, which brought together women, doctors, policymakers, wellness experts and community leaders to push for better care for women in midlife.
Speaking at the event, Organizing Committee Chairman, *Mr. Clifford Okwesi*, said menopause has been treated with silence for too long and must be discussed openly like menstruation.
> “Menopause is an issue that has been treated with silence. We want menopause to be discussed in the same way people talk to young people about menstruation. Women should not just enter into these stages unprepared. It is painful when someone is going through something and cannot talk to anybody about it,” Okwesi said.
He disclosed that plans are underway to meet policymakers to adopt a *Menopause Action Plan* in Nigeria that will help women stay longer in their careers and enjoy better quality of life.
Keynote speaker and President of Association of West African Societies of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, *Prof. Brian Adinma*, explained that menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual periods, confirmed after 12 months without menstruation, usually between ages 45-55. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and mood changes.
> “Menopause is a biological transition that marks the end of reproductive life of a woman. Menopause deserves knowledge, preparation and care,” Adinma said.
Also speaking, President of Customs Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs. Kikilomo Adeniyi, represented by Mrs. Caroline Ifeoluwa, said the narrative must change.
> “For too long, menopause has been discussed in whispers or endured in silence. Menopause is not the end of womanhood; it is a new chapter of strength, wisdom, and renewed purpose. It should never be a journey of isolation,” she said.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling of 100 Menopause Champions who will take awareness to communities across West Africa.
> “The message is that menopause is not an ailment. Menopause should not be treated as a stigma,” Okwesi stressed.
Stakeholders called on employers, families and government to create supportive environments where women can discuss menopause without embarrassment or discrimination and access proper healthcare.
