Schools in Fiji are facing criticism for not adequately preparing girls and young women for menopause, an important biological transition that affects all women. The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) has called for the national curriculum to be urgently revised to include education about menopause as part of health and family life education.
Nalini Singh, the executive director of FWRM, emphasized that while topics like menstruation and puberty are discussed in schools, menopause is often overlooked. She pointed out that many women who participated in FWRM’s recent study reported not knowing what menopause was until they experienced intense symptoms. “There’s no education, no guidance, and no language for it,” Singh noted, leading women to often feel isolated or mislabeled during this significant life change.
The silence surrounding menopause can foster stigma and misinformation, causing many women to feel ashamed or confused about their experiences. Singh advocates that schools should play a vital role in addressing this issue by providing education about the physiological aspects of menopause, its symptoms, and the importance of seeking help. She believes that normalizing conversations around menopause can empower young women to understand and navigate this phase of life confidently.
FWRM’s initiative aligns with broader calls for comprehensive reproductive health education that includes discussions about hormonal changes, emotional wellbeing, and mental health during menopause. The organization also emphasizes that educating boys about menopause is equally important, helping them support the women in their lives.
Recent discussions on menopause have gained traction in Fiji, reinforcing the need for educational and support programs aimed at addressing the challenges women face during this transition. As the country’s population continues to age, the urgency for schools to incorporate menopause into their curriculum grows clearer, promoting a more informed and compassionate approach to women’s health.
By fostering open dialogue and education about menopause in schools, Fiji can hope to create a culture that respects, understands, and supports women’s health issues, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the broader community.
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