"The taboo around menopause doesn't pay off. It doesn't pay off for women. It doesn't pay off for the economy. It doesn't pay off for Europe. That's why we're not asking for attention today. We're asking for action. Because every decision postponed means more women being pushed out of the labor market in a silence we can no longer accept," said Anna Samsel, representing the foundation, during her speech.
The Kulczyk Foundation expert, presenting data from the reports, pointed out that the lack of open debate and appropriate regulations impact not only women's health and quality of life, but also the labor market and the economy. Particular attention was paid to the need to examine and estimate the real costs of neglecting the issue of menopause for European economies – both in terms of the decline in women's professional activity and the long-term burden on social and healthcare systems. "This isn't a private problem. It's a systemic gap," Samsel emphasized.
The Foundation also presented the "White Paper on Menopause," which was submitted to the Polish Ministry of Health, among others, at the end of last year. This comprehensive document contains an analysis of the situation and recommendations for systemic solutions. Its universal nature allows it to serve as a basis for implementing changes at the international level.
The Foundation called for specific actions, including initiating a political debate at the European level, recognizing women’s health as a strategic priority, establishing a working group in this area, and commissioning research into the real costs of the taboo surrounding menopause.
The visit to the European Parliament is a continuation of the foundation's work to improve the situation of women. Last year, Dominika Kulczyk spoke at the same institution, raising the issue of period poverty.
Kulczyk Foundation consistently develops educational and expert activities, striving for systemic changes in the area of women's menstrual and menopausal health – both in Poland and at the European level.
Anna Samsel from the Kulczyk Foundation delivered a speech during the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary Joint meeting Committee on Public Health Joint SANT-FEMM Public Hearing on Menopause care in the EU , 24/03/2026. You can watch it at here.
