Women over the age of 40 are by far the biggest and the most active demographic in the Church of England. But while a huge proportion of any given congregation will likely have experienced menopause, it still remains largely unacknowledged, unspoken and unaddressed. It is almost entirely taboo as a topic of conversation in churches. Writing with refreshing frankness, popular blogger and broadcaster Jayne Manfredi uses biblical reflection, prophetic storytelling and prayer to journey with those experiencing “the dreaded m word”. Facing the menopause head-on, and by turns hilarious and moving, Waking the Women offers a challenge to destigmatize women’s experiences by opening up the conversation around midlife and ageing in the church.
