PCW, WMPOWER ink MOU to promote health, wellness of women in midlife

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and Women in Midlife for Partnership, Openness, Wellness, Equity and Reform (WMPOWER) have partnered to promote the health, wellness, equity, and rights of women in midlife.

The organizations signed a memorandum of agreement on Monday at the PCW Office at the Malacañang Complex in San Miguel, Manila.

Through the partnership, the PCW and WMPOWER aim to inform the public about perimenopause and menopause not just as a critical women’s health concerns but as a gender equality and human rights issues.

It also aims to break the stigma through public dialogues surrounding perimenopause and menopause, as well as widen the reach of information about women's midlife health and make it more accessible to the public.

Citing the 2024 Census of Population of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the PCW and WMPOWER said that there are approximately 13 million Filipinas who are aged 35 to 55.

At this stage, many women are not just focused on handling their careers, but also caring for children and other relatives, managing the household, and participating in the community and nation-building.

Per WMPOWER, the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can affect various aspects, including women's health, productivity, family life, income, and involvement in the community.

"Women may suffer in silence because symptoms are normalize, embarrassing to discuss, poorly understood, or not supported by accessible and credible information," the organizations said.

PCW and WMPOWER also noted gaps in women's midlife, such as limited knowledge about symptoms, stigma, and low confidence in seeking help. There is also limited data and the absence of a national health program specifically focused on women’s midlife health and menopause.

With the aim to close the "missing middle," the PCW is committed to providing policy guidance and technical support, as well as sharing health information with government agencies in support of women in midlife. Meanwhile, WMPOWER will design and carry out evidence- and rights-based partnership programs while working closely with local stakeholders.

—Nika Roque/CDC, GMA News