Menopause Over Martinis* started as a potluck dinner with a difference. It’s since grown into a grassroots movement and invitation for friends, family and workmates to talk and learn about perimenopause and menopause at home, work and in their community; an opportunity to understand, support and celebrate people going through menopause/ruahinetanga; a call for change and a chance to have some fun.
“It’s rare that menopause or women's health is dinner conversation. Menopause Over Martinis changes that. Everyone should be aware of the wild rollercoaster that women's hormones can take them on. There's no need for it to be taboo or restricted to just women talking about it.”
KJ, 41
“What a great initiative. Anyone I’ve mentioned it to wants to join the movement. It was an enjoyable and enriching evening with focus, purpose and great food.”
KC, 48
“Fabulous women bringing their complete selves to the table and sharing their experiences for others to learn from. Not once did we talk about what we do. We only talked about who we are, as women.”
PB, 47
“The company, relaxed atmosphere and humour…all these elements are what made it.”
CT, 58
“Menopause Over Martinis is like a midlife version of an antenatal group. There is so much support to be gained from sharing a new experience with others.”
UC, 46
“I had a terrific time and felt profoundly moved at moments. Well done for outing this topic.”
SJ, 47
“I’ve never been much of a women’s group person, but as I get older I’m finding comfort in discussing my experiences of womanhood. Menopause Over Martinis is a good example of why.”
KHH, 63
“The best things about the dinner were the normalisation of talking about menopause and hearing the vast range of experiences from other women. Now I know there are people in the medical world who can help alleviate the symptoms.”
KJ, 41
“It was the first time I’d sat down to ponder my own journey through menopause. I have never spoken out loud to anyone about it. I have noticed the changes but just thought ‘Oh yeah, that is happening’ and got on with it. What once worked doesn't work any more. I am sore where I shouldn't be. But I was determined for it not to break me.”
PG, 49
“I now know that there are 30+ potential symptoms of menopause and women may experience all or none of them. I didn’t know that hot flushes can be really hot whole nights and that flexible sleeping arrangements/separate duvets might be required. Someone needs to invent an electric blanket with cold settings!”
UC, 46
“Menopause Over Martinis was the perfect way to share our frustration at the underground nature of menopause in workplaces and society. As a host or guest, you can make your own rules and contribute what feels right for you (martinis or not). There’s a big chance you’ll learn something new.”
PB, 47
“Menopause Over Martinis is a chance to chat with a sympathetic group about a mostly secret experience.”
JS, 67
“Knowledge is power – the more we know about menopause in advance, the more likely we are to feel empowered going into it and the more likely we are to have the resources to ensure it’s a positive experience. The dinner was a chance to meet new women with a wide range of experiences and inspiring stories.”
UC, 46
“The best thing was hearing everyone's stories. No two were the same. We all deal with things in different ways and we’re all to be respected. I learned so much from others at the table; about their experiences and how unexpected things in life can throw us curve balls - separations, head injuries or perimenopause. Yet we stoically get on with things.”
PG, 49
“The best things about the dinner were the laughs and looking back on my own experience of menopause. To reflect on the surprising sense of relief, the refreshing sense of renewal and respect for my body.”
JS, 67
“It was liberating to give ourselves permission to talk about a potentially private topic knowing it was appropriate and no one would be embarrassed because that’s what we were there to do!”
UC, 46
“I learned so much about the wide variety of experiences, symptoms, and remedies. And the commonality of our experiences.”
PB, 47
“I was quite astonished at the gaps in many women’s knowledge as I always expect younger generations to be more savvy. The dinner gave everyone a chance to toss experiences around and build a warm sense of commonality.”
JS, 67
