Mbulelo Mpofu
MENOPAUSE remains a subject many women find difficult to discuss openly, but menopause coach Sandi Van Rooyen is hoping to change that through MenoFit, a women’s wellness initiative that seeks to equip women with the knowledge and practical tools to navigate midlife with confidence.
The initiative will host a wellness experience in Harare on 17 October, bringing together women and wellness professionals to explore menopause, healthy living, nutrition and fitness, with particular emphasis on the importance of strength training during this stage of life.
Former Miss Universe Zimbabwe Langa Sibanda, Rumbidzai Mukori, Sr Maja-Chitsamatanga and Sharon Mambokadzi are among those expected to feature at the event, which seeks to create an environment where women can learn about their changing bodies, share experiences and access information to support their wellbeing.
For Van Rooyen, the initiative is rooted in the need to address the silence and misconceptions surrounding menopause, a natural stage of life that can bring physical and emotional changes but is often experienced without adequate information or support.
“MenoFit was born out of my passion for helping women understand that menopause is not the end of their best years, but the beginning of a new chapter. As a menopause coach, I want women to feel informed, supported and empowered to take control of their health and wellbeing during midlife,” she said.
“There is still so much silence, misunderstanding and stigma surrounding menopause. Many women experience physical and emotional changes without fully understanding what is happening to their bodies or knowing where to turn for support. I want to change that.”
The 17 October gathering is intended to provide a platform for open conversations about menopause while connecting women with professionals who can help them make informed decisions about their health.
Van Rooyen said the event would go beyond raising awareness by offering practical insights that women could incorporate into their everyday lives.
“The 17 October event is about creating a safe, welcoming space where women can learn, share experiences and connect with professionals who can equip them with practical tools to navigate this stage of life with confidence,” she said.
“Most importantly, I want every woman who attends to leave knowing that she is not alone and that there is so much she can do to feel stronger, healthier and more like herself again.”
A key focus will be the relationship between menopause, physical activity and nutrition, with strength training expected to feature prominently in discussions about maintaining health and independence as women age.
Van Rooyen said women could benefit from understanding how their bodies change during midlife and adopting appropriate lifestyle practices to support their long-term wellbeing.
“Women can expect to walk away with practical knowledge they can begin applying immediately. We will explore how nutrition, physical activity, strength training and understanding our changing bodies can make a real difference to our quality of life during menopause,” she said.
She emphasised that strength training was not simply about physical appearance, but about helping women maintain their functional strength as they grow older.
“Strength training is particularly important because women can experience a decline in muscle mass and bone density as they age. Building and maintaining strength helps support our bones, mobility, metabolism and independence. It is not about chasing a particular body shape; it is about building a stronger body for the years ahead,” she said.
The speakers will bring different perspectives to discussions on women’s health and wellbeing, giving participants an opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into managing the changes associated with menopause.
Van Rooyen believes that better access to information can help women challenge the assumption that declining health, reduced strength and feeling unlike themselves are unavoidable aspects of ageing.
“My message is simple: you do not have to accept feeling unwell, weak or unlike yourself as an inevitable part of getting older. With the right information, support and lifestyle choices, you can take positive steps towards feeling stronger and more confident in your body,” she said.
Beyond the October gathering, Van Rooyen hopes to establish MenoFit as a sustained support network that changes how menopause is discussed in Zimbabwean homes, workplaces, healthcare settings and communities.
She envisions a future in which women can access reliable information, exchange experiences and find support without feeling compelled to endure menopause in silence.
“My vision is for MenoFit to grow into a community and movement that changes the conversation around menopause and midlife, starting here in Zimbabwe and eventually reaching women beyond our borders,” she said.
Her long-term plans include educational sessions, strength-training initiatives, nutrition guidance, digital engagement and regular opportunities for women to connect and learn from one another.
The 17 October event therefore represents the starting point of a broader effort to make menopause awareness and practical wellness support more accessible to women navigating midlife.
For Van Rooyen, the central message is that menopause should not define the limits of what women can achieve in the years ahead, but should encourage them to take a more active role in their health and personal development.
“Ultimately, MenoFit is about helping women reclaim their strength, confidence and sense of self. I want women to see midlife not as a decline, but as an opportunity to invest in themselves, prioritise their health and embrace the next chapter with purpose,” she said.
“MenoFit is more than menopause awareness. It is about empowering women to understand their bodies, own their health and realise that their best years can still be ahead of them.” – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
