Stakeholders in Zambia have been called to integrate menopause awareness into key work systems and professional settings, as momentum grows for stronger support for women, following renewed calls for open dialogue at the Awanachi Meno-Squad Conversations event in Lusaka.
Speaking at the event, as Guest of Honour , Absa Bank Zambia Chief Executive Officer, Mizinga Melu, commended Awanachi for creating safe spaces where women can openly discuss menopause and thrive.
Mrs. Melu noted that menopause remains a real and lived experience affecting women across leadership, workplaces, and homes, but is still widely misunderstood and often ignored.
“Nobody explains anything, I didn’t even realize that my body was changing, but my behavior was changing, everybody around me could see what was going on,” she said.
Mrs. Melu stressed the importance of seeking medical support and maintaining healthy lifestyles, encouraging women to prioritize exercise and regular consultations with specialists.
Meanwhile, Founder and CEO of Awanachi, Mpunga Chipepo Simukwai, stressed that menopause must be addressed not only as a health issue, but also as a development concern impacting women’s wellbeing and economic participation.
Beyond menopause awareness, Mrs. Simukwai highlighted Awananchi Foundation`s ongoing efforts to uplift young girls through menstrual health initiatives, including the Pads and Panties campaign set to reach over 5,000 girls with reusable sanitary products.
“Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, yet many women experience it in silence, confusion, and sometimes in isolation,” she said.
Simukwai added that Awanachi is working towards influencing policy by developing a menopause policy brief to engage key stakeholders, including government ministries
