Submission to the Senate inquiry into issues related to menopause and perimenopause

FECCA’s submission to the Senate inquiry into issues related to menopause and perimenopause emphasises the unique challenges faced by women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. FECCA highlights the lack of culturally responsive care and inadequate data on CALD women’s experiences, which exacerbates health inequities. Exploring issues such as the economic impact of menopause, societal and cultural factors influencing attitudes, and the limited awareness among healthcare providers about menopause symptoms and treatments. FECCA stresses that many CALD women face barriers such as language proficiency, lack of culturally appropriate information, and financial insecurity, which hinder their access to adequate healthcare.

FECCA recommends increasing investment in equity-focused data collection and research, promoting cultural competence among healthcare professionals, and co-designing educational resources with CALD women in multiple languages. Additionally, it suggests integrating menopause discussions into preventive health checks for women. By addressing these gaps, FECCA aims to ensure that menopause-related care and policies become more inclusive, equitable, and effective for all women, particularly those from diverse cultural backgrounds.