Research shows that 93% of Polish women cannot define menopause correctly, and over 70% assess their knowledge negatively. The "I'd Rather Know. Menopause Without Taboos" project addresses these gaps by combining medical and psychological knowledge with practical support. Meetings are held at the Domino Effect Studio on Ogrodowa Street in Warsaw and are free of charge.
Menopause affects 100% of women! Few of them know what it really means and what it entails. And that it's not something to be afraid of, but rather worth preparing for. The lack of reliable information translates into a sense of uncertainty and loneliness for many women during the perimenopausal period.
" Menopause is a natural biological process that should be treated as normal as puberty. Unfortunately, it's still surrounded by silence, which fosters stereotypes and fears. Our goal is for women to understand what's happening to their bodies and emotions and to feel cared for during this time," explains Anna Samsel, psychologist leading the Menopause Without Taboo project at the Kulczyk Foundation.
The program, co-financed by the Warsaw Wola District Office and the Kulczyk Foundation, consists of three pillars. The first one is a series of workshops and women's circles, conducted in a small format, allowing participants to share experiences and seek mutual support. The second one includes lectures by specialists, such as gynecologist-endocrinologist Dr. Katarzyna Skórzewska, also known as Dr. Menopauza, sexologist Dr. Alicja Długołęcka, and midwives, on the biology of menopause, its symptoms, and treatment options. The third pillar consists of practical workshops, such as urogynecological physiotherapy exercises , yoga, self-massage, pelvic floor muscle training, and relaxation techniques. During these meetings, participants will learn not only how to prepare for the menopausal transition but also take broader health care measures, for example, by learning how to perform breast self-examinations.
"It's important for women to receive both medical knowledge and specific tools to improve their quality of life. Menopause doesn't mean the end of activity, but a new phase that can be experienced in good health," emphasizes Grażyna Orzechowska-Mikulska, Deputy Mayor of the Wola District.
