In anticipation of World Menopause Day on October 18, MPower, a Jamaican women-led advocacy group dedicated to transforming the dialogue around menopause in the Caribbean, is set to host an enlightening event titled ‘MPower Yourself.’ Scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 5:30 pm at Scotiabank’s Corporate Learning Centre in Kingston, the evening promises to be a blend of education, storytelling, and community engagement for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
The highlight of the event will be the screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary, *The M Factor*. This film delves into the often-overlooked physical, emotional, and professional challenges women face during menopause, such as hot flashes, anxiety, weight fluctuations, and workplace discrimination. Featuring expert commentary from renowned medical professionals like Dr. Sharon Malone, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin (Yale), Dr. Wen Shen (Johns Hopkins), and Dr. Stephanie Faubion (Mayo Clinic and The Menopause Society), the documentary also sheds light on the unique experiences of women of color during this life stage.
Sacha Chung, an occupational therapist and co-creator of MPower, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, ‘This is not just a film screening; it’s a turning point for women in Jamaica. We want women to feel seen, informed, and confident in speaking about their health and demanding the support they deserve at home, in the workplace, and in healthcare settings.’
Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session with a panel of women’s health experts. Dr. Kudzai Dombo, a US-based OB-GYN and Menopause Society certified practitioner, will discuss the distinct ways menopause manifests in women of color. Dr. Dainia Baugh, president of the Heart Institute of the Caribbean, will explore the critical connection between menopause and cardiovascular health. Dr. Michelle Bailey, a reproductive health specialist at the Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit, will provide insights on maintaining sexual and reproductive wellness through mid-life and beyond.
Jodi Mair, a fitness professional and MPower co-founder, highlighted the event’s mission, saying, ‘Many women suffer in silence. This event is about breaking that silence and helping women feel empowered to take control of their health and well-being.’
MPower was founded by Sacha Chung, Jodi Mair, and entrepreneurs Elena Diedrick-Lynch and Leisha Wong, co-directors of Elle Creative. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise in wellness, advocacy, and storytelling, united by a shared commitment to creating spaces where women can feel informed, supported, and heard.