Vanguard reported that stakeholders at the launch of Menopause At Work Africa urged public and private employers to adopt workplace policies for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, citing stigma around discussing symptoms.
Erefa Coker, convener of Menopause At Work Africa, said women spend much of the workweek managing menopause symptoms. She said stigma and concern about being seen as less relevant can discourage women from raising concerns or seeking support, Vanguard reported. “We want organisations to support women going through every cycle of life,” Coker said.
Adejoke Alli, Director of Business Operations at Fidson Healthcare PLC, urged organizations to make workplace discussions about menopause open and respectful, Vanguard reported. Bukky George, CEO of HealthCentral Pharma Limited, urged women to consult a medical professional to determine what is causing their symptoms, the outlet said. Speakers also said employer support could improve well-being and productivity.
The initiative says its workplace package offers AI assistance to employees, anonymized insights for employers and resources for managers. Its website says independent legal review of the offering’s alignment with African data protection law is pending.
Vanguard reported that the launch was held to mark World Menopause Day and described the event with the longer wording “Menopause Unmuted, Chronic Pain at Midlife.” The International Menopause Society (IMS) says the observance takes place annually on Oct. 18 and identifies “Chronic Pain At Midlife” as its 2026 theme. IMS President Prof. Rossella Nappi said women’s pain has too often been dismissed through gendered stereotypes and that chronic pain at midlife should be recognized as part of menopause care.
