Menopause is a natural and inevitable transition in every woman’s life, yet it remains shrouded in stigma and misinformation. Too often, it is dismissed as just another phase, a footnote in a woman’s biological journey. But for the millions of women experiencing its effects, menopause is far more than just a milestone, it is a public health issue, an economic concern, and a social justice movement.
The School District of Lancaster’s Office of Educational Access and Opportunity’s M-ERG (emerge) Employee Resource Group is hosting a special screening of the PBS documentary The M-Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause on Monday, April 7 at 4:30 p.m. in Lincoln Middle School’s Auditorium.
This powerful film is a movement to dismantle the barriers, biases, and neglect that have left so many women without the care, resources, and support they deserve.
Why This Matters
Menopause affects 1.3 million American women each year, with symptoms ranging from hot flashes and joint pain to mental health struggles and cognitive changes. Despite its widespread impact, only 15% of women receive evidence-based medical interventions for menopause symptoms. Even more troubling, workplace inequities leave many women struggling to balance their health with their professional responsibilities, 17% of women have either quit or considered quitting their jobs due to menopause-related challenges.
Beyond the workplace, menopause intersects with larger systemic health inequities. Racial and gender biases in healthcare, insufficient medical research on women’s health, and the persistent dismissal of menopause symptoms have left too many women suffering in silence. The M-Factor sheds light on these challenges and highlights the urgent need for change in medical practices, workplace policies, and societal attitudes.
What You’ll Gain from Attending
The screening of The M-Factor offers an opportunity for open dialogue, education, and advocacy. Featuring real-life stories of women navigating menopause in various settings, doctor’s offices, workplaces, and homes, the film provides a raw and honest look at what it means to go through menopause in today’s world. Experts in the film offer solutions to the current gaps in care and suggest ways that workplaces, medical professionals, and communities can better support women in this transition.
Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a discussion on how we can take collective action to destigmatize menopause, improve education, and create support networks for women experiencing this life stage.
Join the Movement
Menopause is not a disease. It is a reality for over a billion women worldwide. Yet, the lack of awareness, research, and care has led to countless women feeling unheard and unsupported. It’s time to change that. By bringing The M-Factor to our community, we aim to uplift, educate, and advocate for better resources and systemic changes that support women’s health at every stage of life.
Join us for this important screening and conversation on Monday, April 7 at 4:30 p.m. in Lincoln Middle School’s Auditorium.