New Delhi, 2024: Despite affecting more than 50% of Indian women, menopause remains a silent crisis. They often severely disrupt their daily lives and yet remain misunderstood, insufficiently addressed, and shrouded in societal taboo. Over 70% of women in India remain unaware of how to manage their symptoms, and with the average age of menopause in India being 5 years earlier than the global average the need for action has never been more pressing.
On the occasion of World Menopause Day, BleedEqual hosted the second edition of Menopause Dialogue 2024 in New Delhi, convening a diverse group of key stakeholders to address the critical topic of menopause. This multi-stakeholder roundtable featured representatives from government bodies, non-governmental organizations, industry leaders, medical experts, and community advocates, all working towards the common goal of raising awareness and driving concrete solutions for menopause-related challenges in India.
Ms. Roli Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW), while addressing the event as Guest of Honor stated “Menopause is not just a health issue but a societal one. To improve the quality of life for millions of women across the country, we must promote awareness and ensure policies are in place that support women both at home and in the workplace.”
Menopause Dialogue 2024 emphasized the unique challenges faced by Indian women, with the average onset age being 46 years, five years earlier than the global average. This early onset increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and metabolic syndrome, leaving women to navigate menopause for nearly one-third of their lives. With projections indicating that around 400 million Indian women will be over the age of 46 by 2026, the urgency of fostering awareness, advocating for policy change and proving healthcare solutions cannot be overstated.
Recognizing this, Menopause Dialogue 2024 featured three moderated roundtable discussions, addressing key gaps in healthcare, workplace support, and holistic menopause management. These discussions, supported by expert insights and experience-sharing, aimed to create a blueprint for actionable change, moving beyond dialogue to drive policy reform and practical interventions.
Dr. Nalini Kaushik, Founder of BleedEqual, highlighted the broader vision behind the event: “Menopause Dialogue 2024 aims to create tangible impact by implementing long-term policies and community programs designed to build supportive ecosystems for menopausal women. The initiative reflects BleedEqual’s mission to provide continued support and advocacy, ensuring that the conversation around menopause extends beyond this event.””Dr. Varinder Garg, OSD to the Union Minister of Health and President, PGI Chandigarh, emphasized the importance of prioritizing women’s health at every life stage: “Menopause is a natural transition that requires greater attention in both healthcare and public policy. By fostering open dialogue and supporting women with the right resources and workplace policies, we can significantly improve the quality of life for millions of women across India.”
BleedEqual’s commitment to raising awareness about menstrual health extends throughout a woman’s life journey, from menarche to menopause. The Menopause Dialogue initiative is a testament to this mission, promoting collaboration and deepening understanding of the challenges faced by women in menopause, especially in workplaces and communities across India.