Title: Navigating the Leadership Labyrinth: Challenges Women Face with Menopause
In the vibrant landscapes of any leadership position, traditions rarely meet modernity. Women in leadership roles find themselves at the intersection of cultural expectations and the natural progression of life aka menopause. As they navigate the intricate path of leadership, they must also contend with the often silent but significant challenges of menopause, a subject still cloaked in a veil of silence and stigma. In some circles it a straight up taboo!
Menopause is a universal experience for over 81M women, marking the end of reproductive years, and often the beginning of realizing hidden hopes and dreams. However, its impact varies significantly across cultures and communities. In Benin, the transition can be particularly interesting, as women have learned to manage the complex interplay of traditional beliefs and the demands of contemporary leadership roles using traditional plant=based medicine. Here, the experiences of women leaders, traditional healers, and scientists provide a rich tapestry of insights into the multifaceted nature of menopause and its often under-acknowledged impact on leadership.
This is a wellspring of insights and practices that I am on a mission to mainstream. So let's go!
In the professional sphere, women leaders often face the pressures of maintaining a composed and competent image. Silent symptoms of menopause, such as memory, brain fog and fatigue, can undermine confidence and efficiency, leaving women feeling less capable and vulnerable to judgment in high-stakes environments. These symptoms, though not as visible as others, can be incredibly disruptive for women striving to maintain their leadership status and professional edge.
In contrast, more conspicuous symptoms like hot flushes and mood swings also carry their own set of challenges. These "louder" symptoms can be difficult to hide in professional settings, leading to embarrassment and the fear of being perceived as unprofessional or unreliable. Some women are even labelled a BITCH...not referring to them as a Boss In Total Control Of Herself. What has been missed is that the BITCHES you work with may actually be women navigating some very challenging menopause symptoms that impact how they show up. There may include a lack of sleep, mood swings, blood sugar fluctuations, appetite changes...making them hangry to name a few.
The shame associated with these visible manifestations of menopause often discourages open discussions, leaving many women to suffer in silence.
Traditional healers in Benin offer a unique perspective, often blending their deep-rooted cultural understanding with natural remedies to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Their knowledge, passed down through generations, serves as an invaluable resource for many women seeking relief. However, the stigma surrounding menopause can discourage women from seeking help, leading to a lack of support and understanding. Here is where an international partnership was born between a few traditional healers, scientists, and me your Menopause Maven. I'm on a mission to mainstream the millennia of information that is still at a source that we can tap into.
Scientists in Benin are increasingly interested in menopause, recognizing it as an important area of study that intersects with women's health and leadership potential. Their research aims to demystify menopause, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for greater awareness and support within the workplace and beyond.
Combining the insights of traditional healers and modern scientific research offers a holistic approach to managing menopause, one that respects cultural heritage while embracing scientific advancements. For women in leadership, acknowledging and addressing menopausal challenges is not just beneficial, it's life giving, it is empowering. It encourages open conversations and fosters environments where women feel supported and understood, enabling them to continue their leadership journeys with resilience and grace.
Ultimately, raising awareness about the challenges of menopause in leadership is crucial for creating inclusive workplaces that value and support women's unique experiences. By doing so, we can use women in Africa as models who use traditional practices to support modern lifestyle needs.
Since many women leaders get into these high achieving, high expectation , high stress and high conflict roles during their menopausal years, 34- 52 years, it would be beneficial for workplaces big and small to develop practices, policies, and programs that make them empowered to lead without the added burden of silence and shame.
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