‘Declining age of menopause is a worrying concern’: NCW launches ‘MenoMind’ initiative

ldquoMenopause is not merely a biological transition but also a psychological and social one During this phase women need strong support from their families and society at large The declining age of menopause is a worrying concernrdquo said Vijaya Rahatkar Chairperson of the National Commission for Women NCW at the launch of the lsquoMenoMindrsquo initiativeThe lsquoMenoMindrsquo campaign mdash a joint initiative by the NCW and the Rising India Research Foundation Pune mdash was formally launched in Pune on Wednesday evening with Rahatkar officiating the ceremonyldquoThe development of women cannot be achieved merely through legislation It is only when women have access to good health that their true growth can take place lsquoMenoMindrsquo is a significant step in that directionrdquo Rahatkar saidShe emphasized the need to create awareness around menopause encourage open conversations and ensure the campaignrsquos message reaches women across the remotest parts of the country She also called for policylevel reforms to integrate menopause awareness into government health strategiesldquoThe aim of this initiative is to reach ordinary women mdash especially those from middleclass and rural backgrounds mdash who often lack access to health educationrdquo she said ldquoAlthough menopause is a deeply personal experience women are still hesitant to speak openly about it The same was once true for menstruation but through persistent awareness efforts open discussion is now more common Menopause must also be brought into the mainstream dialoguerdquoRahatkar expressed concern over the decreasing age of menopause onset calling it a serious health and social issue ldquoWomen navigate multiple phases in life overcome challenges and achieve significant milestones Just as they enter the prime of their lives menopause can trigger selfdoubt and lead to thoughts of giving up Many women begin to feel like stopping midway Thatrsquos why it is essential to support and guide them during this phaserdquoShe added ldquoAt a time when women are managing family responsibilities and striving to fulfill their aspirations hormonal changes during menopause can lead to feelings of despair In such times understanding and support from family colleagues and society is vital Women need emotional medical and physical support to navigate this stage This is why NCW has chosen to focus on this issuerdquoRahatkar further noted ldquoTrue gender equality will only be achieved when men begin to understand and empathize with the challenges women face including those related to menopauserdquoDr Girish Lad Founder and Director of the Rising India Research Foundation also addressed the gathering ldquoThe primary concern behind this initiative is the rapidly declining age of menopause onset and the lack of mental and social preparedness to deal with it What was once expected around ages 45ndash50 is now being seen as early as 35rdquo he saidldquoThough menopause is a natural biological process it remains a taboo subject Women often experience loneliness depression and question their identity mdash asking lsquoHas my womanhood endedrsquo Unfortunately most families are unaware of the emotional turmoil women go through during this timerdquo he addedTo address these challenges the NCW and Rising India Research Foundation have launched a comprehensive multilingual campaign across both online and offline platforms The initiative aims to reach 250ndash300 million Indian women who are in the menopausal or perimenopausal stageRather than conventional health seminars the campaign will take the form of an emotionally resonant and engaging web series designed to be accessible and easy to understand Additionally a 50hour ldquoTrain the Trainerrdquo program will be introduced to equip individuals who can then spread awareness within their communitiesThe NCW has appealed to all sections of society to support the mission by providing mental emotional and social assistance to women during this critical phase of life