Money
Christmas Giving: Menopause Alliance Australia helps women celebrate their second act
Not every charity can say they potentially help a whopping 50% of Australia’s population, but that’s exactly what Menopause Alliance Australia plans to do.
By Bron Maxabella
In a 1988 keynote address to the Democratic National Convention, Ann Richards, the State Treasurer of Texas famously reminded everyone that women can and do perform well in the workplace: “After all, Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.”
A modern-day update to that clever quote for older women may well be, “she just did it while suffering from hot flushes, night sweats, muscle and joint aches and pain, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, itchy skin, anxiety, headaches, depression, brain fog and fatigue.
Not to mention frequent and sudden urges to urinate, low libido, bloating, thinning hair, weight gain, feeling teary, difficulty concentrating… and, not surprisingly given all of the above, loss of confidence.
Dancing backwards in high heels
Ah yes, menopause. Hard to believe that there is still a stigma around this stage of life, especially in the workforce. That’s something Menopause Alliance Australia is working hard to change.
“[Our] vision is simple yet profound: create a society that understands menopause, responds with compassion, and provides support when it’s needed most,” says Natalie Martin, Founder and CEO of Menopause Alliance Australia. “[It’s] a powerful mission: to address the widespread lack of understanding and support for individuals navigating menopause.”
The average age of menopause is 51 in Australia and perimenopause symptoms can last as long as 10 years. And while historically women didn’t live with menopause for long, modern women spend around 30% of their lives in this oestrogen-depleted state.
“It’s time we took the stigma out of menopause and celebrate the second act of a woman’s life,” says charity ambassador Kathy Lette.
Looking ahead with the right support
By providing evidence-based resources, Menopause Alliance Australia ensures women can thrive during this life stage and beyond. They recognise that menopause touches not only individuals but also families, workplaces and communities – so their programs are for everyone.
“At its core, Menopause Alliance Australia is all about support and education,” says Natalie. “The charity equips people with the knowledge and tools to manage perimenopause and menopause while helping their families, friends, and workplaces understand the journey.”
By fostering equity and inclusivity, it empowers women to lead fulfilling, productive lives. A large part of this support comes from workplaces adopting menopause-inclusive practices. This year the charity delivered education sessions to major organisations like Chevron, Wesfarmers, Ashurst and Woodside.
“These forward-thinking businesses, combined with partnerships and donations, have helped us extend our reach and amplify our impact,” notes Natalie.
She’s adamant that stronger awareness of menopause symptoms and challenges in the workplace opens important conversations that help destigmatise this time of life – making the workplace more understanding, inclusive and equitable for everyone. “While progress has been made, breaking the stigma around menopause remains a significant hurdle, particularly in professional environments. Myths and misinformation persist, and creating inclusive spaces requires ongoing effort.”
A Christmas wish for a bright future
On top of this, sustainable funding is an ongoing challenge, especially for providing support to under-served communities. Assistance from individual donations is vital, but if the charity could have one wish granted this festive season, it would be securing a major funding partnership.
“This support would allow the organisation to expand its educational initiatives, advocacy, and resources, creating a future where menopause is normalised, understood, and supported,” says Natalia.
Their goal? Ensure no woman is left behind during this crucial stage of life. With continued community and corporate backing, the future looks brighter for every woman facing the challenges of menopause.
Want to give this Christmas?
Help power this mission to provide ongoing menopause education and support to Australian women. Visit Menopause Alliance Australia to learn more or get involved!
Feature image: iStock/FG Trade
You might also like: