**My grandmother and a childhood friend died by suicide, leaving behind teenage children at peak hormonal change (51 and 49).** These tragic events shook our family and our community, leaving a void that can never be filled. But it wasn’t until I noticed countless other women struggling with hormonal changes while trying to mother and mentor their own children—who themselves were undergoing significant hormonal transformations—that I realized this is a broader, glaring issue that needs urgent attention.

In Australia, sex education in schools covers a range of topics essential to understanding human development, relationships, and health. However, one critical topic is consistently overlooked: peri-menopause and menopause. Despite affecting half of the population, education on this natural phase of life is almost non-existent in formal schooling. Teenagers leave school without any understanding of what their mothers and other women close to them are experiencing during this challenging time. A nationwide implementation of menopause education as part of the sex education curriculum will foster understanding and empathy crucial for supporting women through this life stage.

The hormonal changes associated with menopause often lead to significant mental health challenges, including depression and suicidal ideation. In fact, for women coping with peri-menopause and menopause, it's a period marked by a heightened risk of suicide. Considering the average age of mothers and the age at which most women experience menopause, it's critical that young people are educated on this topic. Such understanding can profoundly influence the emotional and psychological support they offer to their mothers, sisters, teachers, and friends.

Imagine a scenario where a student learns not only about puberty and reproductive health but also about the transitions their mother might be navigating. They'll be equipped with the knowledge to empathize, to support, and to create dialogues rooted in understanding. **Education is a powerful tool. It's time we utilize it to bridge the generational gaps in understanding and eradicate the solitary struggles of women enduring menopausal changes.**

By integrating mandatory menopausal education into the school curriculum, we’re taking a proactive step towards normalizing and preparing future generations to understand and support the women in their lives. We seek the support of educators, policymakers, and parents to champion this cause and help transform the educational landscape for generations to come.

**Help us take this vital step toward a more understanding and informed society. Support mandatory peri- and menopausal education in Australian schools. Please sign this petition and make a difference.**