Singapore, 9 November 2024 – The Menopause Festival 2024 held at Guoco Midtown was a groundbreaking event that united healthcare experts, corporate leaders, and community members in elevating the conversation on menopause and midlife wellness.
The event was honoured by the presence of Ms. Sim Ann, Chairperson of the Women’s Wing at the People’s Action Party (PAP), who delivered the opening speech, underscoring the need to address the stigma around menopause openly.
“There are things we’re being made fun of when we’re going through menopause,” Minister Sim Ann noted, highlighting the pressing need for societal awareness and empathy.
The event officially kicked off with an energetic improv skit, designed to lighten the mood and start the morning with humor.
This refreshing opening set the stage for a day of insightful discussions, beginning with the first panel, "How is Singapore Transforming Menopause Care for Women Everywhere?".
With discussions spanning from hormone therapy to holistic care, the festival showcased our proactive stance on perimenopause and menopause care, aiming to support women in their midlife journeys with informed healthcare, community support, and lifestyle wellness.
Highlights:
Transforming Menopause Care: The first panel delved into the advancements in menopause care, addressing myths around hormone therapy and promoting individualized treatment plans. Experts like Dr Rukshini Puvanendran from KK Menopause Centre emphasized that new, bio-identical HRT options can support women safely, countering outdated beliefs that have long clouded menopause care.
Emotional and Mental Health Support: Panels also explored menopause’s emotional impact. Dr P. Buvanaswari, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Promises, explained how estrogen plays a crucial role in brain health, with its decline affecting mood, sleep, and glucose metabolism. Support systems, including therapy and family understanding, were discussed as vital components in managing these shifts.
Navigating Workplace Dynamics: With nearly 87% of women in Singapore avoiding menopause discussions at work, the festival tackled ways for organizations to support menopausal employees. Our HR Advisor, Julie Lee shared results from a Surety survey, highlighting the importance of fostering open conversations and empathetic policies. Panelists like Jessalyn Chen from Labbrand and Peter Sheren from Goldman Sachs underscored that workplace buy-in from leadership is key to creating a safe and supportive environment.
Aileen Chua, Senior Physician from Yi TCM provided insight from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, explaining that “our body lives in cycles of seven years. By the time we hit 49, our yin decreases, which can destabilize our internal balance.” She described how TCM uses herbs to address nutrient depletion and poor circulation, tailored to individual body constitutions.
A Call for Empathy and Support
The festival concluded with a powerful message on prioritizing "healthspan" over lifespan, urging women to embrace midlife with vitality and wellness. Mary Thomas, a trademark lawyer and Surety’s community ambassador, shared her personal journey, highlighting the importance of having safe spaces to talk openly about menopause’s challenges and changes.
Sapna Mathews, Senior Counselor from Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre, reinforced this by sharing her experiences of supporting women through menopause, encouraging family-centered conversations to foster understanding and support.
The Menopause Festival 2024 marked a pivotal step forward in Surety's commitment to modernising perimenopause, menopause and midlife care, setting a benchmark for comprehensive support systems, inclusive workplace policies, and increased societal awareness.
Thank you to everyone who made this event a success! Let’s continue breaking barriers for midlife wellness and prepare for an even more enriching experience at the Menopause Festival 2025!
Interested? Join Surety at the Menopause Festival 2025!
Thank you to everyone who made the Menopause Festival 2024 an incredible success!
We’re excited to continue this journey with you, breaking barriers and fostering wellness for midlife women.
Get ready for an even bigger and better experience at the Menopause & Midlife Festival 2025! This year, we’re opening up conversations that matter to both women and men, addressing topics that impact everyone as we navigate midlife together.
Enjoy interactive workshops, expert-led discussions, and a curated marketplace designed to provide resources and products that support well-being in midlife.
Join our waiting list NOW and be the first to know all event details!
Let’s celebrate, learn, and grow together – because midlife wellness is for everyone!