Hidden struggles of postmenopausal women in the informal sector: A biopsychosocial assessment

Menopause, being a critical stage in women's life, is associated with social stigma and many biopsychosocial challenges. Its complications are associated with poverty, illiteracy, lack of knowledge, and social acceptance. For marginalized women working in the informal sector in India, these challenges become even more strenuous as their experiences are never documented. Literature too reveals a significant gap in understanding menopausal experiences of women in the informal sector, where they are facing challenges of limited healthcare access and support management concerning policy rights and legislative safeguards. This study aims to explore the neglected and lived experiences of informal workers who experienced menopause. It highlights their workplace struggles and coping strategies by focusing on biopsychosocial dimensions through the biopsychosocial model.The study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach, in which 20 postmenopausal women working in the construction sector of the Kishangarh Marble Industry in Rajasthan, India, were purposively chosen. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which revealed lived experiences in terms of themes including challenges ranging from biological, psychological and social challenges to their coping mechanisms and resilience. The findings highlight that postmenopausal women in the construction sector are facing all of these challenges during the menopausal phase. Women are also expressing resilience through self-care and peer support. However, policy support, gender-sensitive approaches and rights-based perspectives are essential to empower these women.