More About MIMESOZA

The Menopause Society of Zambia (MIMESOZA) grew from a shared concern among a group of multidisciplinary clinicians who recognised a significant gap in how menopause is understood, discussed and supported in Zambia.

For many women, menopause remains a topic surrounded by silence, stigma, misunderstanding and limited access to reliable information. When women do not feel safe or comfortable talking about their experiences, they may delay seeking help, suffer symptoms in silence, or rely on fragmented sources of information.

MIMESOZA was established to help change this.
 

Breaking the silence around menopause

Menopause is a natural stage of life, yet the way it is understood varies considerably between cultures, communities and individuals. While some cultural perspectives may view menopause positively, it can also be associated with ageing, loss of fertility, impurity, illness or supernatural explanations.

Where menopause is viewed negatively, women may internalise shame or feel that their symptoms are something they simply have to endure. This can make it difficult for women to ask questions, discuss intimate concerns or seek appropriate healthcare.

Research among women in Zambia has highlighted the limited opportunities many women have to receive accurate information about menopause. Women have reported obtaining information from a range of sources, including traditional healers, traditional counsellors and schools. While traditional knowledge and community practices can be important sources of support and cultural continuity, the absence of accessible, evidence-based health information can leave women uncertain about what is happening to their bodies.

This creates a cycle of silence: if women are not encouraged to talk about menopause, they may not know what to expect; and if they do not know what to expect, they may not know when or where to seek help.

MIMESOZA believes that this cycle can be changed through education, open dialogue and supportive, culturally sensitive healthcare.
 

Menopauseand women's wellbeing

Menopause can affect much more than menstruation. Physical symptoms, changes in mood and sleep, relationships, sexuality, work and overall quality of life can all be affected.

Sexual wellbeing is an important part of this conversation.

Changes in oestrogen levels during and after menopause can contribute to vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex and changes in sexual desire. Yet sexual health can be particularly difficult to discuss in settings where these concerns are considered private, taboo or simply an inevitable part of ageing.

Women should not have to accept pain, discomfort or changes in their sexual wellbeing without having the opportunity to ask questions and explore appropriate options.

MIMESOZA aims to create spaces where women can discuss these concerns without embarrassment or judgement and where their experiences are taken seriously.
 

Access to healthcare matters

Access to appropriate healthcare plays an important role in determining how women experience menopause.

Although many menopause symptoms can be managed through lifestyle approaches, psychological support and medical treatments, access to these options can be influenced by availability, affordability, knowledge and cultural acceptability.

Menopause-specific care is not always prioritised within existing reproductive, sexual or primary healthcare services. This can leave women without the information or support they need, particularly where healthcare resources are limited.

Access can be even more challenging for women living in rural and underserved communities.

MIMESOZA recognises that improving menopause care requires more than simply making treatments available. Healthcare professionals also need appropriate education and training, women need trustworthy information, and communities need opportunities to talk openly about menopause.
 

Creating safe spaces

Providing women with opportunities to talk about what they are experiencing is an important part of healthcare.

Women should be able to ask questions about their bodies, their mental health, their relationships and their sexual wellbeing without fear of judgement or embarrassment.

Creating and fostering these safe spaces is central to the work of MIMESOZA.

We believe that every woman should have access to:

• Clear, trustworthy information about menopause

• Compassionate and respectful healthcare

• Evidence-based treatment and support

• Safe spaces to ask questions and share experiences

• Healthcare professionals who understand menopause

• Support that recognises the cultural and social context in which Zambian women live
   

Education, awareness and advocacy

Changing the experience of menopause in Zambia requires a collaborative approach.

Education has an important role to play in improving awareness and helping women recognise menopause-related changes. Healthcare professionals need opportunities to develop their knowledge and confidence in providing menopause care. Public conversations can help challenge stigma and normalise discussion of women's health during midlife.

MIMESOZA is committed to bringing these areas together through education, professional development, community engagement, research and advocacy.

We believe that menopause should be recognised as an important part of women's health—not something that women are expected to endure in silence.

MIMESOZA is working towards a future where menopause is understood, openly discussed and appropriately supported—and where every Zambian woman has the opportunity to experience this stage of life with dignity, knowledge and choice.