Middle Aged Mafia

When it comes to the barriers women face in middle age, both within the medical system and the workplace, there is very little in the way of equality. This is why it's imperative to understand the barriers marginalised women face is imperative to inclusive change. https://lnkd.in/ea8Nsz-t #middleage #diversity #equity #inclusion #womeninbusiness #medicalgaslighting #middleagedwomen #menopause #chronicillnessawareness

On this World Menopause Day, we celebrate the advancements in understanding and treating menopause, with this year’s theme focusing on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Over the years, HRT has evolved, and studies now show that it can be incredibly beneficial in supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of many women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. For many, it can alleviate disruptive symptoms and improve quality of life and longevity. However, it’s important to recognise that HRT isn’t for everyone. Some women carry health risks that make HRT unsuitable, and it’s crucial that each woman’s choice is based on her unique health history and needs. At the heart of this discussion is the power of choice. The ability to choose how we navigate menopause, whether through HRT or natural remedies, is what truly empowers us. There is no room for shaming or judgment—just support for each other in making the decisions that feel right for our bodies. At MAM HQ, we stand for informed, empowered choices and support every woman on her unique menopause journey. Let’s continue to lift each other up, share knowledge, and stand together in this phase of life. #WorldMenopauseDay #MiddleAgedMafia #HRT #Perimenopause #Menopause #womenshealth

Why Men Should Be Allies in the Menopause Conversation at Work Menopause and perimenopause are natural transitions that every woman will experience. Yet, these phases are often misunderstood or overlooked in the workplace. For women, the symptoms can range from hot flashes and insomnia to anxiety and memory loss—affecting their well-being and professional performance. But here’s the reality: it’s not just a “women’s issue.” It’s a workplace issue, and men play a critical role in creating an environment that supports women through this phase. Here’s why it’s important for men to become educated about menopause: 🤜🏽 Breaking the Stigma: Menopause is still taboo in many workplaces. By being informed, men can help break the silence and stigma, normalising conversations that support a culture of inclusion and empathy. 🤜🏽 Supportive Leadership: Managers—men included—need to understand how menopause can affect job performance and mental health. By being aware, they can offer flexible work arrangements or simply a listening ear, helping retain valuable talent. 🤜🏽 Fostering Equity: Gender equality in the workplace is not just about equal pay. It’s about recognising the different challenges women face, including menopause. Men who are educated on this subject can become advocates for policies that truly support gender equity. How men can become allies: 👉🏽Listen and Learn: Educate yourself on the symptoms and impacts of perimenopause and menopause. Resources are everywhere— Instagram, TikTok, podcasts, books, or even a simple conversation with a colleague. 👉🏽 Start the Conversation: Don’t shy away from discussing menopause in the workplace. The more open we are, the less isolated women will feel. 👉🏽 Encourage Policy Changes: Advocate for workplace policies that support women during menopause, such as flexible working hours or wellness programs. 🕺 Men, we need you to be part of the solution. When we support women during this pivotal stage of life, we contribute to healthier, more equitable workplaces for all. ⏰ If you’d like to explore ways your workplace and become more menopause aware — get in touch at sima@simakumar.com — my special skill is educating without judgment and making uncomfortable conversations easy and accessible to all! #MenopauseAwareness #WorkplaceEquity #InclusiveLeadership #GenderEquality #Allyship #SimaSays #MiddleAgedMafia #PerimenopauseAwarenessMonth

🔔 Raising Awareness and Empowering Employers to Support Women 🗓️ For Perimenopause Awareness Month, it’s crucial that we shine a spotlight on a topic that has remained under-discussed in both educational settings and workplaces for far too long—perimenopause and menopause. 📑 A recent study shows that over 90% of postmenopausal women were never taught about menopause at school. Even more staggering, over 60% only began looking for information after their symptoms had already started. This points to a glaring gap in awareness, one that directly affects women’s health, well-being, and professional lives. In the workplace, this lack of awareness can have profound consequences: 👉🏽 Many women experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms often feel unsupported. 👉🏽 Symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, or brain fog can impact their ability to perform at their best. 👉🏽 Women may leave the workforce or reduce their responsibilities due to a lack of understanding and support from employers. 🙋🏻♂️Employers must take the lead in changing this narrative. By prioritising education and creating a supportive environment for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, businesses can safeguard their workforce, improve retention, and foster a healthier, more inclusive workplace culture. Here are a few ways to start: ✨Educational Workshops: Regular sessions to raise awareness about perimenopause, its symptoms, and management strategies. ✨Health Policies: Providing flexible work options or healthcare benefits that address women’s specific needs during this phase. ✨Open Conversations: Encouraging an open dialogue in the workplace to reduce stigma and make it easier for women to seek support. Let’s ensure that women aren’t left in the dark about a natural stage of life. As employers, you have a responsibility to empower your workforce by creating environments where everyone can thrive—no matter their age or health stage. #PerimenopauseAwarenessMonth #MenopauseAwareness #WomenInTheWorkplace #InclusiveWorkplaces #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceSupport #HR

For most of my 40’s I was completely unaware of perimenopause, though I should have been. If you’re a Gen X woman (born 1965-1980), chances are your mother navigated perimenopause and menopause without support or conversation. When it was discussed, it often came with fear-mongering about HRT causing breast cancer or being derived from horse urine. Much has changed since then, but as middle-aged women, we’re the first generation raising the alarm, pushing for education and advocacy around perimenopause and menopause. Yet, GP knowledge is still limited, workplaces remain unprepared, and too many women are losing jobs or leaving the workforce due to lack of support. Partners and children watch us navigate intense physical, emotional, and mental changes, often misunderstanding what’s happening. Surgical menopause forced me to take a deep dive into my health. It also inspired me to create this community, ensuring future generations won’t face menopause in silence, isolation, or confusion. The good news? More women are speaking up. The bad news? Awareness still echoes in silos. From friends and partners and husbands of friends to CEOs and HR leadership, too many people remain uninformed. The tide is turning, but it needs to crash faster—onto the desks of healthcare providers, employers, and partners. Every woman fortunate enough to live long enough will face this phase. It’s time we all understand it. #perimenopauseawarenessmonth #midlife #middleagedwomen #womenshealth #workplacewellness

Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign highlights a crucial issue: the persistent bias against middle-aged women in leadership. Research from UC Berkeley identifies three common biases that women like Harris encounter: 🚩Being perceived as less competent than male colleagues. 🚩Facing ageist stereotypes that label them as less innovative. 🚩Enduring harsher criticism for their ambition and assertiveness. 🧠 These biases impact not just those in high-profile roles but also women across all sectors, from politics to boardrooms, creating barriers to career advancement and perpetuating outdated stereotypes. ⏰ It’s time to reflect on the working conditions for middle-aged women in our own workplaces. ❓How can we create a more inclusive environment that values their experience and leadership? Let’s start the conversation and work towards meaningful change. #simasays #middleagedwomen #womeninleadership #sexism #ageism #bias #middleagedmafia #KamalaHarris Photo: Flo Ngala

🌿 Exploring the True Essence of Yoga: Beyond Physical Postures 👩🏻💻In the bustling corporate world, yoga often conjures images of physical exercises alone. Yet, the practice is much more profound, embodying a holistic system designed to enhance every aspect of life. 🧘🏾♂️Renowned yoga teacher K. Pattabhi Jois once brought this rich tradition to America, highlighting the eight limbs of yoga. While the physical postures, or Asana, gained immense popularity, the complete system offers a structured path to not just physical wellness but mental clarity and resilience—essential tools for any professional. 🧗🏻♀️As we navigate our careers, integrating these principles can profoundly impact our productivity and well-being. Think of it as climbing a tree: to reach new heights safely and successfully, we must build on each foundational step. Embracing the holistic practice of yoga can immensely enhance our professional lives and sustainably support our mental health. #ProfessionalDevelopment #WellnessAtWork #HolisticHealth #YogaAtWork #WomensHealth #Menopause #MentalHealthAwareness #MiddleAgeIsAllTheRage

☝🏽During Mental Health Awareness Month at MAM HQ, we are turning our attention to a critical yet often overlooked demographic: professional middle-aged women navigating the complexities of perimenopause and menopause. 👩🏾🔬Research indicates that women aged 45 to 64 are more susceptible to experiencing major depressive episodes, often due to hormonal changes, the dual demands of career and caregiving, and societal expectations. 🧘🏽♀️This May, we will explore how integrating the eight limbs of yoga can empower us in our professional lives, providing resilience and balance amidst these challenges. 📿Together, we can foster a healthier, more supportive workplace using ancient tools for modern life. #LeadershipInWellness #YogaInBusiness #WorkplaceWellness #Menopause #Perimenopause #MentalHealthAwareness

The Matriarchy Is Here. The Matriarchy is how we all got here. The best and most complete honour of women will be the day we no longer need a token day honouring women. Here are 10 things (of many) women really want: 👉🏽Implement Equal Pay Policies: Ensuring women receive the same pay as men for equivalent work roles and responsibilities. 👉🏽Promote Gender-Inclusive Education: Encouraging equal access to education for girls, as education is a key factor in empowering women. 👉🏽Support Women’s Leadership: Promoting women’s representation in leadership roles across all sectors, including politics, business, media and academia. 👉🏽Provide Access to Reproductive Health Services: Ensuring women have access to affordable and comprehensive reproductive health services, including contraception and maternal care. 👉🏽Address Gender-Based Violence: Implementing laws and programs to prevent and address gender-based violence, and providing support and resources for survivors. 👉🏽Offer Flexible Work Policies: Promoting flexible work arrangements to accommodate caregiving responsibilities and facilitate work-life balance for women. 👉🏽Encourage Gender-Neutral Parenting: Promoting shared caregiving responsibilities between partners and challenging traditional gender roles in parenting. 👉🏽Fostering Entrepreneurship Among Women: Providing support, resources, and mentorship programs to encourage women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. 👉🏽Challenging Gender Stereotypes: Promoting media literacy and challenging harmful gender stereotypes in advertising, media, and popular culture. 👉🏽Ensuring Legal Protections: Enforcing laws that protect women’s rights and address discrimination and inequality in all aspects of life, including employment, property ownership, and access to justice. #MiddleAgedMafia #InternationalWomensDay #Equality #Equity #EqualPay #GenderPayGap #WomensRightsAreHumanRights

Introducing the MAM Memo 📋 Protect your peace … you don’t have to be all things to all people. #workplacewellbeing #menopauseintheworkplace #healthcare #mentalhealthawareness #middleagedmafia