Earlier this month was World Menopause Day and ahead of the most recent Women’s Super League home game, a 6-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea FC Women and the club’s Women’s Empowerment Network hosted Menopause Matters at Stamford Bridge.
As part of a wider focus on the seasons of womanhood, the event was designed to open up conversations around menopause, a natural stage of life that affects all women, yet is still too often misunderstood or overlooked.
Hosted by broadcaster Cherry Healey, the session brought together an outstanding panel of experts and advocates, including women's health advocate Tina Backhouse, Michelle Griffith Robinson OLY, Dr Bal Sagoo and Carolyn Harris MP.
‘Menopause affects 52% of the population and yet is often not discussed or well understood by women or healthcare professionals,’ noted Backhouse. ‘By having open discussions and sharing information at the event, stigmas and taboos are broken, meaning women will live longer in better health with better choices.’
Dr Sagoo added: ‘Life after 40? Be fabulous, not finished! Menopause may bring changes but with the right knowledge and support, you can take charge of your wellbeing and make your next chapter your best one yet.’
Through a combination of expert insights, personal perspectives and an interactive quiz, attending CFCW fans, club staff and industry guests explored how greater awareness and understanding can help create more supportive and inclusive environments for women at work, at home and in our communities.
Harris explained why she was delighted to be asked to join the panel. ‘I am passionate about speaking to as many people – women and men – as I can to ensure that menopause knowledge is shared and the stigma is shattered.
‘Women don’t need special adjustments; we need information, we need understanding and we need respect. Menopause support, services and access to treatment are improving, and the more we talk openly and share knowledge, the more they will continue to improve.
‘The event at Chelsea was fantastic and I hope that those in the audience took away something that will help them personally or help them to better understand the women in their lives – be that at home or in the workplace.’
The openness, engagement and willingness to share knowledge made for a genuinely impactful morning. These conversations matter. By continuing to increase awareness and understanding, we can help ensure that women feel supported through every stage of life.
Chelsea Women partner Here We Flo gifted their products to attendees at the event.