Australian Embassy hosted Menopause to Meno-peak, a neglected public health issue seminar

KATHMANDU, June 04:The Australian Embassy organized a special "Menopause to Meno-peak" program today at the Hotel Aloft Kathmandu this Monday. The seminar brought together a diverse group of speakers to discuss menopausal issues.

Introducing the event, Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, HE Felicity Volk said the embassy had organised the seminar to draw attention to issues relating to menopause and perimenopause, including women’s health and wellbeing, access to comprehensive and individualized health care and workplace supports.   She said, “In Nepal, as in Australia, there is very little public discussion of menopause even though half our populations experience its symptoms. Menopause is a natural process, but there is a paucity of research and informed medical support. Further, the stigma that attaches to women at this stage of their lives impacts their professional lives and mental health.   “That’s why I’m so pleased to see role models like Ani Choying and Allie Pepper opening up public conversations and demonstrating that women at all stages of their lives are powerful, inspiring and have so much to contribute to their communities.”

Renowned mountaineer Allie Pepper shared her surprising experience battling menopausal symptoms during a solo climb, highlighting parallels between the challenges of high altitude and hormonal changes. Her ‘Respect above the Clouds’ challenge to climb all 14 peaks without supplemental oxygen in under three years while undergoing menopause inspires all mountaineering enthusiasts and leads a beacon for all menopausal women as well. She claimed, “It’s now or never” to achieve her dream. 

Singer Ani Choying Drolma, known for her advocacy, spoke about her struggles and the importance of open communication about menopause, especially within families. She also shared her use of Ayurvedic medicine for symptom management. International health communications expert Dr. Sunoor Verma emphasized the lack of research specific to women's health and the need for broader education about menopause for both women and men.

Sociologist Dr. Neeti Aryal Khanal moderated the discussion, which shifted towards the specific needs of women in adventure tourism, many of whom reach their career peak during perimenopause and menopause. Australia's Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk, further emphasized the economic importance of supporting women's health throughout their lives. 

Panelist Dr Sunoor Verma, an international health communications expert said, "By educating boys and men about their own sexual health, we help them better support the entire spectrum of women's health. Preaching to the converted hasn't helped enough; we must engage boys and men on women's health not as a gender but as a societal emergency.  Investing in women's health is an economic imperative for any country seeking prosperity."

By bringing together a mountaineer, singer, medical professionals, and women from tourism, the seminar bridged the gap between the physical challenges of high altitudes and the often unaddressed challenges faced by women during menopause. This unique approach sparked a crucial conversation about women's health in Nepal, paving the way for a future where women can conquer new heights in all aspects of their lives.