The FCT Women Affairs Secretariat has begun mobilising support for women, experiencing menopause for households’ stability and general wellbeing of families.
The mandate secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said that the move was part of the secretariat’s efforts to promote emotional stability in the households.
Benjamins-Laniyi spoke on the topic ‘We Factor,’ at a one-day menopause awareness programme in Abuja on Wednesday, organised by the secretariat for couples in the FCT.
She explained that the We-Factor embodies the essence of community support, and shared experiences, particularly during menopause.
She described menopause as the stage in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant.
The mandate secretary said that for some women, the menopausal transition could bring various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, joint and muscle discomfort, and pain during sex.
Other symptoms, she said, may include moodiness and irritability, forgetfulness, difficultly concentrating, or a combination of all the signs.
According to her, a woman’s emotional instability will affect the husband, the family and if not handled well, will affect family finances and happiness.
“The woman’s emotional state may affect the overall wellbeing of the family, but a happy woman will translate to a happy home,” she said.
She stressed the need for collective support for women experiencing menopause, particularly from men to maintain their emotional stability needed to ensure a happy household.