Blog by Marie-Christine Gries, Soroptimist International Representatives at UNESCO.
Menopause as a Social Taboo
Menopause remains largely unspoken and stigmatised, associated with aging and loss of femininity. This taboo fuels silence at home and especially in the workplace. Taboos and stereotypes have tremendous power and a remarkable ability to survive.
A Universal and Growing Societal Issue
With increased life expectancy, women spend decades in post‑menopause, making it a major demographic and social reality.
The life expectancy of women is greater than that of men in the same age-class. So, in more developed countries, we have to take into account the increase of widows and unmarried mothers having the task of patrimonial family management – with the financial aspect of this task traditionally devoted to men, which many women are left unprepared and uninformed to handle.
Medical lmpacts: Physcial and Psychological
The physical and psychological impacts of menopause are well documented. In terms of physical health, after age 50, women face higher risks of cardiovascular disease, osteo-articular disorders and cancer. According to Institut Curie, “50 is the age of cancer” – breast cancer, ovarian cancer, among others, are prevalent, with certain risk factors identified (such as smoking), while other factors are less readily identified.
In response to this, screening for such cancers must be regular as a matter of preserving the long term health of all women during and post menopause, It is important to inform post-menopausal women, who commononly believe they can forego regular gynecological and breast examinations.
Beyond the impact on physical health, psychological health is also affected following menopause – with specific forms of depression linked to hormonaland neurological changes which take place.
Lack of Information and Preventative Guidance
Women often enter menopause “blind,” without adequate preparation or medical follow up. As a result, anxiety and distress are increased due to symptoms which aren’t anciticpated. More widespread misunderstanding of the physcial symptoms of menopause can further lead to instance of discrimination and social prejudice, such as mockery or professional marginalisations.
Self-Image and Societal Beauty Standards
Menopause alters the body. One must not dismiss the impact of menopause on self-image – particularly in consideration of aesthetic standards that have been imposed by modern society, which is highly senstive to appearane in a heavily mediated and networked environment from which no one escapes.
One may argue that emn also change physically – however, it is undeniable that prejudice persists in this area too, stigmatising women’s ageing more harshly than mens. Whilst in some spheres, such as celebrities proudly displayign their wrinkles and the work of beauty-care creators, a positive recognition of the marks of age is emerging as a sign of a life well lived – but this is generally illustrated by people who are far from ordinary.
Key Recommendations
In order to better support women through and post menopause, action is needed across healthcare, workplaces and wider society.
To better support women through menopause, action is needed across healthcare, workplaces and wider society. This starts with treating menopause as a natural life stage, not a sign of decline. Open conversations, better health education and regular screening can help women understand the physical and psychological changes they may experience and seek support earlier.
Workplaces also have a role to play by creating supportive policies, offering reasonable flexibility and ensuring managers avoid sexist or age-related assumptions. At the same time, further research into menopause, cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing is needed, alongside more positive representations of ageing that support women’s confidence and self-esteem.
