Curtin University, Vietnamese Women in Leadership, and Sage Women's Health: Putting Menopause on the Map

Sage Women's Health is excited to collaborate with Curtin University to present a session for the 'Women in Leadership Journey 6' (WILJ6) program, an Australia Awards short course for 20 Vietnamese women leaders in August 2024. WILJ6 is sponsored by the Australian Government via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and managed by the Vietnam Australia Centre (VAC).

This year, WILJ6 will feature a groundbreaking session on menopause, addressing this critical yet often overlooked aspect of women's health. This addition to the WILJ6 program is in response to participant feedback, highlighting the growing recognition of menopause as an emerging concern in Vietnam.

Current state of  Menopause in Vietnam

Recent studies show a significant disparity in menopause symptom prevalence between urban (25%) and rural (10%) regions in Vietnam, coinciding with a rise in non-communicable diseases in cities. Gender-based discrimination, under-reporting of menopause symptoms, low health literacy, and limited access to healthcare services are key factors contributing to this issue. 

Alarmingly, up to 80% of rural women do not seek treatment, and 49% of Vietnamese women experience mild to moderate depression, with many suffering from poor sleep.

Melanie White, CEO of Sage Women's Health, noted, "The increasing urbanisation in Vietnam may be influencing women's lifestyle habits and health outcomes. Our goal is to address these challenges and equip Vietnamese women leaders with crucial health information."

 Empowering Leaders In Vietnam

The inclusion of a menopause session in WILJ6 highlights the evolving understanding and prioritisation of women's health issues in leadership training programs. By addressing menopause, Sage Women's Health aims to support the health and productivity of women leaders, ultimately contributing to their effectiveness and longevity in leadership roles.

Assoc. Prof. Samantha Owen, Director, Gender Equity and Inclusion at Curtin University, said, "We are delighted to work with Sage Women's Health on the Women in Leadership Journey 6, marking a significant step forward in addressing critical health issues such as menopause that affect women's ability to lead effectively. This initiative not only promotes gender equality but also ensures that women leaders are supported through all stages of their health journey."

Collaboration with Curtin University

This collaboration represents a fantastic opportunity to further our mission of empowering women in health and leadership. WILJ6 is funded by DFAT and implemented by the Vietnam Australia Centre (VAC), a joint initiative of the governments of Vietnam and Australia.

Contact Information

To learn more about this initiative or to schedule an interview with Melanie White, please contact:

Melanie White, CEO Sage Women's Health

M: 0414 639 754

E: melanie@sagewomenshealth.com

Retain your most valuable talent with Sage Women's Health, ensuring your team is happy and high-performing, particularly during life’s transitions. For more information about Sage Women's Health and our initiatives, please visit www.sagewomenshealth.com