Testimonials From Global Clients

Being part of and learning about the MARIE Project has been truly eye-opening for me. Menopause is a topic that is often misunderstood or ignored, yet it affects the lives of so many women and families. What stood out to me most about this project is the genuine care, empathy, and dedication behind the research.

The MARIE Project goes beyond data and studies.  It listens to real experiences, gives women a voice, and creates safe spaces for learning and conversation. I deeply appreciate the passion and professionalism of all the team members, and I believe the work is making a meaningful difference by improving awareness, understanding, and support around menopause.

Yours sincerely,
 Kumuyi Babatunde Rufus

When I was invited to take part in the MARIE Project, I didn’t think much of it at first. Menopause can feel very lonely, and many times you just learn to manage things on your own. But answering those questions made me realize that my experiences actually matter.

The questions was simple and respectful, and it gave me a safe space to talk honestly about how menopause has affected my body, my emotions, and my daily life. For the first time, I felt listened to, not judged or rushed. Knowing that my responses could help improve understanding and care for other women like me means a lot. I’m truly grateful to have been part of this research.

 Ain BukolaCaroline

Serving as an investigator on the MARIE and PLATO projects was a deeply enriching experience for me. The MARIE project advanced critical understanding of menopause and women's health, while the PLATO Project enabled meaningful exploration of Period Poverty and it's effects on health outcomes across diverse populations. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such an equity-driven research that addresses pressing yet under-represented women's health challenges.

Dr Gabriel Chidera Edeh (MBBS). Resident Doctor, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria.

I am thrilled to share my experience as the Principal Investigator of the Nigerian arm of the MARIE, PLATO, ANULA, and PANORAMA projects. These international collaborations have been transformative, allowing me to contribute to groundbreaking research and improve women's and children's health globally.

As a consultant Obstetrician and  Gynaecologist and clinical researcher, leading these projects has been incredibly fulfilling. I've worked with incredible partners, pushing boundaries to deliver innovative solutions for complex health issues.

These projects offer unparalleled opportunities for young researchers to grow. They've co-authored papers, presented at conferences, and developed skills in grant writing and project management.

I'm proud of our team's work and its potential to drive positive change in Nigeria and beyond.

Prof George Uchenna Eleje* (MBBS, MSc, PhD, FMCOG, FWACS, FICS, FWACOG, FFIGO (Italy)). Principal Investigator (Nigerian arm). Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria/ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria.

Our participation in the WP2a phase of the MARIE study has highlighted the significant impact of both natural and treatment-induced menopause on women’s wellbeing. Many participants shared that, through the study, they recognised for the first time that the symptoms they were experiencing were actually related to menopause. Hearing these experiences reinforced the need for more holistic, multidisciplinary support, and directly inspired us to establish a dedicated menopause- after-cancer clinic in Singapore to better support women throughout survivorship.

Dr ieera Madan-Aggarwal, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist

My experience with the PLATO Project has been both inspiring and impactful. The project is clearly driven by purpose, collaboration, and a strong desire to create positive change. I was impressed by how intentional and well-structured the work is, while still remaining practical and people-focused.

The PLATO Project values research, learning, and community impact, and this reflects in everything it does. It has contributed to personal growth, knowledge sharing, and meaningful engagement, and I truly admire the commitment of the team to delivering lasting and measurable results.

Yours sincerely,
 Kumuyi Babatunde Rufus

Being part of the Marie Oman Study as an investigator was a highly positive experience. The research processes were clear and patient-centred, and collaboration among the team was excellent. The study has important implications for improving clinical practice and future research in Oman. “It has been an honour to take part in the MARIE WP2a study from the Sri Lankan perspective and to engage with a truly collaborative international network of researchers. The process has strengthened cross-country understanding and provided valuable insight into how menopausal health is experienced in different social and healthcare contexts.

Nihal Al Riyami, Associate Professor & Senior Consultant, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

Findings from Sri Lanka point to a mixed picture of symptom experience and care access. While many women experience moderate to severe menopausal symptoms that affect daily functioning and quality of life, menopause is still widely viewed as a private life stage rather than a health priority. As a result, professional consultation and evidence-based treatment use remain relatively low. Many women rely on informal advice, self-management, or non-medical remedies, and structured menopause services are limited. These observations highlight the need for better public education, provider training, and more accessible menopause-focused support pathways.

I am encouraged by the momentum this work has created and look forward to contributing further toward research and advocacy that translate women’s lived experiences into meaningful improvements in menopausal healthcare and policy.”

Vindya Pathiraja, PhD candidate MARIE project and a Senior Lecturer, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka

As a PhD student with the ANULA project, I had the opportunity to participate in a community outreach programme, engaging with both adult and adolescent members of the Sri Lankan community on the topic of “violence against women and girls”. Through these sessions, many participants recognised for the first time the different forms of violence and the profound impact it can have on individuals and families. This experience reinforced the importance of translating research into community education and highlighted the vital role of prevention and safeguarding initiatives at the grassroots level. As a result, there is a clear need to continue such awareness programmes, strengthen community support mechanisms, and provide accessible resources to empower communities to prevent and respond to violence effectively.

Nimesha Wijamuni (PhD student-ANULA Project)

Being part of the MARIE Project in Sri Lanka has been a transformative journey, allowing me to witness and document the profound physical and mental health challenges faced by women in midlife. Through MARIE Work Package 2a and now into 2b, I have stepped into the often unseen spaces of loneliness, silence, and suffering, learning from their resilience and strength. This experience, under the guidance of the ELEMI Global Women’s Health Project led by Dr. Gayathri Delanerolle, has not only deepened my academic path but also enriched my commitment to amplifying women’s voices and fostering inclusive health solutions.

Tharanga Mudalige, PhD candidate MARIE project and a Lecturer, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka

It was a pleasure participating in a global research focusing on health and well being of women during one of the most challenging parts of our lives, namely the perimenopause and menopause...as during this time us women undergo many physical, mental and psychological changes, some of which we may not realize is due to hormonal fluctuations. So to be able to represent the Omani cohort and contribute even at a very small scale to a research project that will hopefully contribute to improving the lives of many women was a much valued opportunity.

Participant, from Oman

For the first time, someone asked me how menopause truly makes me feel, not just in my body but in my mind and daily life. Being part of this study made me feel seen, heard, and reassured that what I am experiencing is real and matters. I am grateful that women like me are finally being understood and that our stories can help improve care for others.

Particiapnt, Mrs Ezike Ugomma

As an investigator in the MARIE and PLATO projects, my experience in Nigeria highlights how menopause, menstrual health, and fertility-related concerns have long been under-recognised, under-researched, and often silenced within both healthcare systems and society. These studies, initiated here in Nigeria within the past two years, have created a rare and vital platform for Nigerian women to articulate their lived experiences and unmet needs across their reproductive life course. I am glad that the implementation of these studies marks a meaningful shift toward visibility, evidence generation, and culturally relevant care for female health issues that have historically been overlooked.

Dr Egwuatu, Emmanuel Chukwubuikem (MBBS, MWACS)

Participating in the MARIE and PLATO Projects was a meaningful and empowering experience. These projects provided a platform for me to highlight my lived experiences of period poverty and it's impact on health and wellbeing as well as share my insights related to menopause. I am deeply grateful to the sponsors for supporting research that amplifies participant voices and drives positive changes in women's health globally.

Participant, Elizabeth - Babcock University Teaching Hospital.