The Walrus Talks Menopause, an evening of talks by engaging speakers shining a spotlight on menopause, was held at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto in October. Janet Ko, President and Co-founder of the Menopause Foundation of Canada took to the stage to share her personal experience of being blindsided by symptoms like brain fog and night sweats at the height of her career, emphasizing that menopause is more than a health issue—it’s a pressing workplace equality issue.

A live and online audience heard the call for systemic change to dismantle stigma, educate healthcare providers, and create menopause-inclusive workplaces. “Menopause is natural, suffering isn’t,” she declared, urging society to view this phase as a time of growth and renewal, not loss. By closing the menopause knowledge gap, we empower women to embrace their full potential.

Listen to the speech by Janet Ko, President and Co-founder, Menopause Foundation of Canada here.