Menopause Initiative Uganda was founded by Dr. Irene Ndagire, a Sonographer and Senior Physiotherapist at Sonia Physiotherapy Clinic, with 16 years of experience in the management of women’s health issues focusing mainly on menopause at Women’s Health Foundation Uganda and at Sonia Physiotherapy clinic. She was joined by Rhemie Kiggundu who brings 22 years of international intrapreneurial experience in management consulting and health care with the aim of Working with individuals experiencing menopause, healthcare professionals diagnosing and treating menopause, and employers whose staff may be negatively affected by menopause. Women would access treatment at the clinic due to low back pain, postpartum issues, menopausal challenges, cervical and breast cancer awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation services; women from different institutions, companies, communities, and other countries shared their thoughts about their experience so The initiative also felt the desire to provide a listening ear and ongoing care during a difficult stage in a woman’s life.
The different stories from the women depicted that; a number of older women were laid off from work as companies were downsizing. At home, many women were left homeless as their husbands remarried as they didn’t understand what their wives were going through. Menopause is a natural stage of life, the health problems associated with it are real and need urgent attention. With evidence-based information, the fear of menopause can be dispelled and women will be empowered to make informed choices about their health. The great news for women is that there are many lifestyle and treatment options available to help them live their best life through perimenopause, menopause and beyond. Some women didn’t know that their bodies had changed towards menopause and didn’t know where to get the right treatment. Some health professionals didn’t understand the body changes of older women and diagnosed wrong medication. Nobody was advocating for the rights of older women in health centers, at the workplaces and in their homes.
An older women empowerment, advocacy and support initiative was born to assist women understand menopause, treat menopause and enjoy menopause. Menopause Initiative Uganda is creating a positive change in how people perceive, understand and experience menopause at their work places, homes and communities.
