222 - Empowering women unheard during menopause
In this week’s podcast, food writer, author and award-winning entrepreneur Freda Shafi talks about her work raising awareness of menopause, and recording the experiences in the Pakistani community in West Yorkshire. Freda shares her own menopause story, and she and Dr Louise discuss key barriers women face accessing care, and ways to improve knowledge to empower women to advocate for themselves. ‘I'm a South Asian woman, I'm a Pakistani, I'm a British Pakistani woman, and I know I represent a certain demographic,’ says Freda. ‘I feel as though I can reach many women through the fact that I am from the community. That may be platforms for women like myself who are able to cascade that information and let that reverberate across those communities.’ Freda’s top three tips: Help represent your community to spread awareness of menopause symptoms, treatments and services and help tackle the stigma that still surrounds this area. Get a second opinion if you don’t feel your healthcare professional has given you the right diagnosis. Explore the materials that are out there, including the balance app, so that you’re informed when you see your doctor. Boost training in the menopause for community leaders so that they can signpost women to local services that can help support them. Follow Freda on Instagram @fredishafi_spiceitup