Meno Files | Last updated: 14 October 2026
1. Who we are
Meno Files is a podcast and website about menopause, made for African women and the people who support them. This website is operated by Bernadette Brown and Maxine Case (“we”, “us” or “Meno Files”), based in Cape Town, South Africa.
We are the “responsible party” for the personal information described in this policy under South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA). You can reach us, and our Information Officer, Maxine, at info@menofiles.com.
2. What this policy covers
This policy explains what personal information we collect through [menofiles.com], why we collect it, who we share it with, how long we keep it, and the choices you have. Please read it before you use the site or send us any information.
3. What information we collect
When you contact us. If you complete our contact form, we collect your name, email address, organisation (if you give one), the reason you are getting in touch (for example sharing a story, being a guest or sponsorship), and your message.
When you subscribe. If you join our mailing list, we collect your email address and a record of your consent.
Stories and health information. Many people write to us about their own menopause experiences. Information about your health is treated as special personal information under POPIA. You never have to share it. If you choose to, we will use it only to reply to you, and we will not publish, quote or use it on the podcast without asking for your separate, explicit permission first.
Technical information. Like most websites, our hosting provider automatically records technical details such as your IP address, browser type, device, pages visited and the date and time of your visit. We use this to keep the site secure and working properly.
Cookies. We use only the cookies needed to run the website. You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings, although some parts of the site may not work as intended.
4. Why we use your information
- To reply to your messages and enquiries.
- To send you news about new episodes, but only if you have subscribed.
- To consider your story, guest suggestion or sponsorship enquiry.
- To keep the website secure and to understand how it is used.
- To meet our legal obligations.
We do not sell your personal information.
5. Who we share it with
We use trusted service providers (“operators”) who process information on our behalf and may only use it for that purpose:
- Website hosting: Hostinger, which hosts this website and stores form submissions.
- Email list: Substack, which sends our newsletter.
- Podcast hosting: Spotify for Creators, which delivers our audio.
- Embedded players and links: Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. If you play an episode embedded on our site, these companies may collect information under their own privacy policies.
We may also disclose information if the law requires it, or to protect our rights and the safety of others.
6. Storing information outside your country
Our service providers may store or process information on servers in other countries. Where this happens, we take reasonable steps to make sure your information is protected to a standard similar to POPIA.
7. How long we keep it
- Contact messages: for up to 12 months after our last exchange, unless we need to keep them longer to follow up on an agreed project or comply with the law.
- Mailing list details: until you unsubscribe.
- Stories you share: until you ask us to delete them, or 24 months, whichever comes first, unless you have agreed in writing to something different.
- Technical logs: for the period set by our hosting provider.
8. How we protect it
We take reasonable technical and organisational steps to protect your information, including secure hosting, access limited to the people who need it, and keeping the site’s software up to date. No online system is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Your rights
You have the right to:
- ask whether we hold information about you, and request a copy;
- ask us to correct or delete information that is inaccurate, outdated or no longer needed;
- object to our use of your information, or withdraw your consent at any time;
- unsubscribe from emails using the link in any message, or by writing to us;
- complain to the Information Regulator (South Africa) at www.inforegulator.org.za if you believe we have not handled your information properly. Please check their website for current contact details.
To use any of these rights, email us at info@menofiles.com. We may need to confirm your identity before we act on your request.
10. Children
This website is for adults and is not directed at anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has sent us information, please contact us and we will delete it.
11. Not medical advice
Meno Files is for information and education only. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare provider about your own health.
12. Links to other sites
Our website links to other sites and services. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices, so please read their policies.
13. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date at the top shows when it was last changed. If we make significant changes, we will let you know on the site.
14. Contact us
Questions about this policy or your information? Email info@menofiles.com.