Positive Attitudes About Menopause Stem from Cultural Perspectives: A Lesson from West Africa

It’s time to shift the narrative and embrace the wisdom, power and freedom that this phase of life can offer.

In many cultures, menopause is seen as a powerful and positive transition, not just a biological event. In West Africa, for example, menopause is often welcomed as a time of 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 and 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.⁣⁣Women no longer bear the risks of pregnancy, and instead, they gain new social status, one of 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 and 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭. Menopausal women are treated with deference, their opinions sought after in family and community matters.⁣⁣

This cultural reverence for ageing turns what many in the West see as a difficult time into something to be celebrated. 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐲 to West African women. We believe ageing is a privilege. It is a gift from God.⁣⁣However, it’s important to acknowledge that for some women, particularly those who have struggled with fertility, menopause can also bring sadness, as childbearing is deeply valued in these societies.⁣⁣What can we learn from this? 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 are heavily influenced by cultural beliefs and the roles society assigns to women.

Perhaps it’s time to shift the narrative and embrace the wisdom, power and freedom that this phase of life can offer.