A full house of medical professionals, advocates, and women from across Jamaica gathered recently at Toyota Jamaica for the much-anticipated screening of The M Factor — a compelling and medically grounded documentary that is reshaping the global conversation around menopause care. Hosted by MPower, a collective of Caribbean women leaders, the evening was designed to spark critical dialogue around menopause, access to care, and the need for inclusive policy reform.

The event opened with a powerful and deeply personal introduction from MPower co-founder Jodi Mair, who bravely shared her own struggle with perimenopause. Joined by her husband and two sons, she underscored a critical truth: menopause doesn’t just affect women — it impacts entire families.

“Menopause has the potential to completely disrupt the regular programming of a woman’s life — but it goes far beyond that. It can shake her marriage, her relationship with her children, her friendships, her career, her community and perhaps the most detrimental, her identity,” said Mair.

Her vulnerability set the tone for an evening that was equal parts educational, emotional, and urgent.

“Tonight we’re not just pushing for awareness — we’re challenging Jamaica to become the Caribbean leader in women’s health, specifically, hormone health,” she said. “By addressing hormone health, we potentially address heart disease, diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s, certain cancers, obesity, mental health, reproductive issues, sexual health — and so much more.”

Professor Lisa Vasciannie, senior lecturer at The University of the West Indies, Mona, followed with a compelling address that grounded the conversation in data and policy. She highlighted the profound ripple effects of menopause on workforce productivity, societal health, and the national economy, urging the audience to recognise menopause not just as a women’s issue, but as a matter of national importance.

Following the screening, a robust and thought-provoking discussion was led by Dr Dainia Baugh, consultant internist and menopause specialist, who was joined by Dr Michelle Bailey, obstetrician/gynaecologist, to unpack the current state of menopause care in Jamaica. The conversation delved into the significant gaps in treatment availability, the widespread lack of public education, and the deep-rooted stigma that continues to surround mid-life women’s health. Both doctors highlighted the urgent need for greater investment in training, research, and access to evidence-based care, while also pointing to emerging opportunities to shift the narrative and improve outcomes for Jamaican women. The interactive session was further enriched by questions and comments from the audience, which included both medical professionals and women with lived experiences. Their contributions echoed a common thread — that miseducation and misinformation are pervasive, and that many women remain unaware of the range of treatment options available to help manage and reduce symptoms. The exchange underscored the importance of ongoing education, open dialogue, and collective action to better support women through this critical life stage.

Adding further weight to the evening’s discussions was the presence of Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, a staunch advocate for women’s health. She reinforced the Government’s commitment to improving care for women in mid-life and beyond. Also in attendance was Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, who offered an impassioned perspective on Jamaica’s ageing population and the importance of preparing systems to support women as they age.

The screening and panel were a call to action — not just for health-care providers and policymakers, but for every Jamaican. As The M Factor makes clear, menopause is a universal experience that deserves informed care, public attention, and collective advocacy.

“This movement is not about ‘woman time now,’ implored Mair. “It’s about better healthcare for women. I have four men in my household. I need a Jamaica—and a world—where all of us can thrive….. It’s about keeping women in the workforce longer, preserving relationships, protecting mental health, and preventing chronic illness before it escalates.”