Stop labelling menopausal women as witches – Public told

A Lead Specialist for Health Services at Gold Fields Ghana, Dr Magdalene Bakari, has urged the public to stop labelling women going through menopause as witches, warning that the practice exposes them to emotional abuse, isolation and discrimination.

According to her, menopause was a natural stage in every woman's life, but misconceptions surrounding the condition often prevent affected women from receiving the care and support they need from their families and communities.

Dr Bakari made the appeal at Akoon during a breast health and menopause awareness forum organised by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation for residents of its host communities, employees, their spouses, corporate organisations and students in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality.

She described menopause as a largely taboo subject in society, despite being an inevitable experience for women, and called for greater public education to help families understand the physical and emotional changes associated with the transition.

“When it comes to menopause, it has become a taboo topic in society. We know every woman will go through it, but we never prepare our minds for it and we do not know how to support people going through it,” she said.

Dr Bakari also highlighted the need for early detection of breast cancer, noting that timely diagnosis and treatment could save lives.

She said although the Foundation had organised several awareness programmes, sustained education remained necessary to protect women and help them lead longer, healthier and more productive lives.

The forum, held as part of the Foundation's activities for this year's Breast Cancer Awareness Week, was on the theme, “Beyond the Pink: The Full Picture”.

Dr Bakari said the programme also provided participants with the opportunity to engage specialists, including a gynaecologist, surgeon and psychologist, on the medical and emotional support available to people affected by the conditions.

Some participants commended the Foundation for the initiative and called for similar educational programmes to be organised regularly to reach more people.

Source: GNA