Building Stronger Communities: How Local Initiatives Empower Civic Engagement

In the heart of Winnipeg, Sylvia Sunstrum, better known as Sassy With Style on Instagram, has crafted a vibrant community for women to share experiences, discuss midlife and menopause challenges, and embrace this transformative life stage together. Through her workshops, walking tours, and online support, Sylvia has created a unique space where women can connect and uplift one another, fostering a safe haven for open conversations on what is often considered taboo.

Yullia Kovalenko – Local Journalism Initiative

Menopause remains a misunderstood and rarely discussed topic despite being an inevitable phase in many women's lives. Sylvia describes menopause as a period marked by a spectrum of symptoms, from hot flashes and night sweats to anxiety, memory loss, and joint pain.

"Menopause can be isolating and shameful for some women, but we need to normalize this experience," Sylvia shares, emphasizing the need for community and understanding during this time.

One of Sylvia's driving motivations for building this community was her health journey, including her decision to undergo preventative surgery to lower her risk of ovarian cancer, a cancer that her mother had battled. Following her surgery, Sylvia faced the often-overwhelming symptoms of early menopause and quickly realized the necessity of finding supportive voices and practical resources. Through trial, error, and research, she learned to navigate her symptoms and became inspired to share this journey, encouraging other women to advocate for their health and embrace their bodies.

The Civic Value of Community in Winnipeg
Sylvia's community extends beyond individual stories, embodying a civic mission that benefits the entirety of Winnipeg. By openly addressing topics like midlife and menopause, Sylvia's work provides what she calls a plus-value to the local community, fostering awareness, compassion, and solidarity. When women in Winnipeg find support in one another and feel empowered to embrace midlife and menopause, they're better equipped to contribute actively to their families, workplaces, and communities.
Her efforts highlight how shared experiences can impact civic life by normalizing conversations about health and aging. Many women, after joining Sylvia's group, feel empowered to seek proper care, advocate for themselves, and connect more meaningfully with those around them, reducing the sense of isolation that often comes with these life stages.

Creating Spaces for Connection

Sylvia hosts workshops, including informal walking groups, where women can chat, laugh, and exercise. "Movement is medicine," she says, emphasizing the therapeutic power of walking alongside others who understand the challenges of midlife. These gatherings allow women to express themselves, find support, and share in the "feminine energy" that helps them navigate the ups and downs of aging with confidence.
Midlife, often referred to as the "third act," is when many women reflect on their lives and seek deeper meaning. Despite societal stigmas around aging, Sylvia sees this phase as an opportunity for personal reinvention.
"At a certain point, you start a new chapter; the kids have left home, and you're facing the next phase of your life," she explains. Her advice to those embracing this stage is clear: seek out others who understand, educate yourself, and remember that aging isn't something to be feared but celebrated.

Advocating for Self-Education and Health
Sylvia strongly believes that women need to become their own health advocates. "When it comes to healthcare, you know your body best," she says. She emphasizes that while online resources like Mayo Clinic can provide valuable information, women must understand their own symptoms and pursue personalized treatment options. Whether through workshops, educational resources, or supportive conversations, Sylvia equips women with the tools to take charge of their health journeys confidently.

The Power of Shared Experiences
Sylvia's community has had a profound impact on Winnipeg's female population, breaking down barriers and creating a dialogue around health and aging. By giving women a platform to discuss menopause and aging, she not only combats stigma but also strengthens the social fabric of the Winnipeg community, encouraging a generation of women to embrace life with resilience, humor, and solidarity.
Through Sassy with Style on Instagram and her community events, Sylvia's work supports women in midlife. It’s a contribution to Winnipeg's social landscape inspiring women to approach the "third act" of life with openness, courage, and confidence.