The NCWNZ Safety, Health and Wellbeing Action Hub valued having two speakers on endometriosis at its last meeting for 2023.

Endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 NZ women with a huge impact on lives. Supporting education, resources and a national plan for endometriosis is consistent with our support for a life-course approach to women’s health that was outlined in the submission the Hub prepared on a Women’s Health Strategy as part of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) legislation.

Libby Wichman, the communication and engagement manager from Endometriosis NZ spoke about their goals to be the trusted source of information, education and support for those impacted by endometriosis in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Endo NZ was established in 1985 and provides support, advocacy, and research, with 5000 in online support groups and 20,000 followers on social media. Endo NZ are committed to a national action plan on endo as is already implemented in Australia. For further information, see their website at https://nzendo.org.nz/.

Jess Sandoval founded Endo Warriors Aotearoa just over 3 years ago because of her personal experience. Endo Warriors supports and empowers all people with endometriosis and has a commitment and focus on tackling period poverty. Jess focusses much of her activity in schools and workplaces raising awareness of period poverty and its impact on individuals and families in our community and provides education and resources and justice for people affected by endometriosis. For further information, see their website at https://www.endowarriorsaotearoa.com/about.

The hui with these two-organisations was very valuable as it connected us to a vital health issue in the lives of rangatahi and women in Aotearoa New Zealand where action is needed. We came away with an increased understanding of endometriosis and its impacts, the importance of a national plan for endometriosis in Aotearoa New Zealand, and how we can support action, services and resources to people affected by endometriosis.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.

by Eileen Brown
Safety, Health and Wellbeing Action Hub

To read more articles from The Circular (November-December 2023) issue 644, click on the tag below.