Following the success of the sold-out inaugural event in Dublin, this year’s National Menopause Summit will take place in the historic venue of Cork City Hall
Whether you’re in the throes of the menopause, feeling perimenopausal or simply want information because you know it’s on the horizon, the National Menopause Summit is where you’ll want to be on 20 October.
Featuring leading advocates, clinicians, facilitators and professionals in the area of perimenopause and menopause, the National Menopause Summit is a full day masterclass in menopause. It will be held during the same week as World Menopause Day which is marked annually on 18 October.
Speakers on the day
Menopause champion, journalist and broadcaster Gráinne Seoige returns as compère and moderator for the Cork summit and will be joined by the event’s guest speaker, Mariella Frostrup, who is one of the UK’s most respected broadcasters and journalists.
Mariella’s groundbreaking 2018 BBC1 documentary ‘The Truth about Menopause’ was one of the first documentaries on menopause, breaking the taboo and speaking honestly about her own menopause experience. Channelling her passion for women’s rights and empowerment, Mariella authored the book ‘Cracking the Menopause: While Keeping Yourself Together’ which separates the myths from the reality and offers expertise, hope and advice for all affected by perimenopause and menopause.
In addition to Mariella Frostrup and Gráinne Seoige, the Cork summit’s speaker line-up includes:
- Dr Brenda Moran, portfolio GP with a special interest in women’s health and sexual health
- Dr Karen Soffe, GP with a special interest in women’s health
- Dr Caoimhe Hartley, clinical lead Rotunda Hospital Menopause Clinic, founder & CEO Menopause Health
- Dr Sumi Dunne, GP and clinical lecturer in General Practice, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the GP expert on RTÉ’s Operation Transformation
- Loretta Dignam, founder and CEO of The Menopause Hub
- Shalini Wiseman, chartered physiotherapist in pelvic health and continence
- Joanne Healy, head of group employee relations at Bank of Ireland
- Katie Ridge, head of employer relations at Adare Human Resource Management.
What to expect on the day
The event plans to continue to shift the narrative by debunking myths and taboos, providing inclusive, fact-based information, and providing a platform of understanding and respect to ensure no one suffers needlessly at what can be a highly challenging and transitional stage of life.
Taking time off work is a harsh reality when dealing with menopausal symptoms and the National Menopause Summit Cork will advocate for the introduction of inclusive, compassionate and sympathetic work policies in the Irish workplace to ensure everyone feels supported and enabled to forge forward in their careers.
The National Menopause Summit Cork, supported by M&S, will also feature moderated panel discussions with leading experts in the areas of menopause in the workplace and menopause care to incorporate equality, diversity and inclusivity. Key topics for discussion will include nutrition, mental health, posture, women’s physical wellness and inclusivity in menopause care. Full agenda and additional speakers and panellists will be announced on the National Menopause Summit website over the coming months.
Read more about perimenopause and menopause in Irish Country Magazine’s The Invisible Struggle series here.
