Honoring the Wisdom of Women in Menopause Through Travel & Tradition

In this journey across continents, travel editor Gayle Higginbotham explores how In Western societies, the transition through menopause is often accompanied by a sense of loss, whether of youth, vitality, or relevance. Yet, in many traditional societies worldwide, women in their later years are seen in an entirely different light: as matriarchs, revered for their wisdom and essential contributions to the community.

As the conversation surrounding menopause evolves, we have a unique opportunity to expand our own understanding of this transformative stage in life.

Elderly women in Indigenous communities safeguard cultural traditions, nurture future generations, and preserve the delicate balance between humanity and the environment. This reverence for women in their later stages of life is a profound contrast to the Western narrative, where aging often feels like an unwelcome chapter. By understanding how indigenous women lead, we can better appreciate the critical role of women approaching menopause and beyond.

Amazon Guardians: Female Wisdom and Leadership in Nature

During New York Climate Week this past September, the words of Nemonte Nenquimo, the female leader and climate activist of the Waorani tribe from Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest, resonated deeply as she described the central role that Indigenous women play in protecting biodiversity and leading their communities. She eloquently stated, “We have protected the planet and nature through our cultural practices and traditions and have maintained the balance between our well-being and the forest.”

Indigenous women, like Nemonte, embody a sacred connection to the earth that guides their leadership. They plant seeds, harvest food, and nourish their children, all while protecting their natural environment. Yet, their voices have gone unheard in broader political and environmental conversations for too long. This powerful bond between women and nature, particularly of older women, reveals a more profound truth: they are custodians of biodiversity and cultural continuity. Their leadership is vital to ensuring the survival of both their communities and the planet.

Nemonte’s story, as captured in her biography entitled We Will Be Jaguars, which she co-authored with her partner and long time supporter of Indiginous communities across the Americas, Mitch Anderson, offers a poignant lesson. In Western societies, menopause is often seen as a period of decline. But in the Amazon, as in many other traditional cultures, elder women are the ones who carry the wisdom of the ages. Their role is indispensable as they pass down knowledge, protect the environment, and lead their communities with quiet strength. We must adopt this perspective if we hope to refocus how we view aging and the contributions of post-menopausal women.

Matriarchs of the Himba: Custodians of Wisdom

In Namibia, the Himba people provide another striking example of how older women hold positions of immense respect. My friend and travel colleague Victoria Troskie, who grew up in a national park in a remote corner of northwestern Namibia, shared her personal and professional memories of the Himba women. In their communities, the men may handle the herds and tribal politics. Still, the elder women—referred to affectionately as “Ouma” (Afrikaans word, meaning Grandmother)—are the true stewards of the homestead. Their wisdom is central to the community’s survival, as they teach younger generations how to sustain their way of life and navigate the challenges of living in harmony with the land.

Later in life, in a professional context, when Victoria was General Manager at Serra Cafema, a beautiful remote camp in the far north of Namibia, she saw firsthand how a female village elder named Ouma held final authority over decisions within the community. Despite the presence of a male chief, Ouma’s wisdom and direction ensured the smooth running of daily life in this community. Ouma’s influence extended beyond the community to the interactions with outsiders, such as the camp’s guests. This deference to elder women, woven into the fabric of the Himba’s society, is a powerful reminder of the value of experience and wisdom women carry into their later years.

Samburu Women: Guardians of Community and Rain

In northern Kenya, the Samburu tribe offers yet another example of how elder women are revered for their spiritual and emotional leadership. In times of crisis, such as during droughts, the community turns to its female members to lead the “ntorosi” — a rain dance ritual performed by married women. These women, adorned in red ochre and beaded necklaces, dance and sing fervently, petitioning the Samburu god, Nkai, to bring rain.

In a society where men typically hold authority, it is remarkable that women are responsible for invoking and thanking God for life-giving rain, not men. This ceremony underscores their spiritual power and emotional capacity to restore balance to the community. It also reveals that the wisdom of these women is crucial in addressing life’s challenges, whether spiritual, physical, or environmental.

It is a stark contrast to the way menopause is often regarded in the West, where women’s value is too frequently diminished in their later years.

The Grandmothers of Ethiopia: A Legacy of Resilience

In southwestern Ethiopia, the Kara, Hamar, and Mursi tribes offer a powerful example of the role older women play as teachers, guiding younger women and overseeing the homestead. Victoria Troskie recalls meeting a Mursi Grandmother caring for toddlers, who imparted this profound wisdom:

In this community, the Grandmother was not a biological relative, but a respected leader, teacher, and mother figure to all.

This message underscored the importance of owning and honoring our purpose at every stage of life. Women hold immense value throughout their lives, a value that only increases with age and experience. By serving our communities as we age, we fulfill our purpose and guide younger generations to embrace theirs. Thus, the cycle of continuity, teaching, and stability is honored with each generation.

This brief yet impactful exchange left a lasting impression on Victoria, reshaping how she views community and approaches relationship-building in her own life.

We must refocus on our value beyond childbearing years, recognizing that our worth continues to grow as we age. When we embrace our evolving roles, our communities reflect that value back to us, appreciating the wisdom and purpose we bring with each new stage of life.

Honoring Wisdom Through Travel

As I reflect on the lessons learned from the women of Himba, Samburu, Mursi, Hamar, Kara, and the Amazon, I am convinced that it is time we reassess how we view menopause. Rather than seeing it as an ending, we should recognize it as a new chapter of leadership and wisdom.

Like Nemonte Nenquimo, Ouma of the Himba, and The Grandmothers of Ethiopia, women in menopause have a wealth of knowledge and experience that is essential to the survival and flourishing of communities.

For those ready to explore these remarkable cultures firsthand, Oculus Travel offers immersive journeys to meet the women who serve as the backbones of their societies. From Namibia to Kenya and beyond, you can witness the power of matriarchal leadership and return with a new perspective on the vital role of elder women in shaping the future.

By refocusing our lens on how we view women as they navigate the later stages of life, we honor their wisdom, contributions, and leadership. In doing so, we strengthen our communities and nurture the environment, ensuring that future generations can thrive.

MEET GAYLE HIGGINBOTHAM

Gayle Higginbotham, Founder of Oculus Travel, was born and raised in South Africa and is passionate about sharing the life-enriching experiences this beautiful continent has gifted her.

Through her extensive network of contacts comprising local travel experts, ethical service providers, and respected conservationists, Gayle’s deep desire is to have a positive impact on the natural world, wildlife, oceans, air quality, and the communities that call these places home.

To explore more, visit: www.oculustravel.com