Introducing Iqra
A high school student hoping to help girls speak up about menstrual health, has become the youngest-ever member of our charity’s team.
Iqra Iqbal is still completing her studies at Falinge Park High in Oldham. But she now wants to combine them with a mission to help young people understand endometriosis and get girls to speak up and out, about their symptoms.
Our founder Dr Anita Sharma said: “As a high school student, Iqra understands how period pain can affect concentration, attendance, and everyday life. She believes there needs to be greater awareness of menstrual health within schools and is committed to helping break the stigma surrounding conversations about periods and women's health.
Iqra is keen to support Endometriosis Awareness North in engaging with schools and educating young people about endo.
She hopes that increased awareness will encourage girls to speak up about their symptoms, seek support when needed, and ensure that severe period pain is not simply dismissed as "normal."
As the youngest member of the team, Iqra brings a valuable young person's perspective to the charity's work and is committed to helping create a future where menstrual health is openly discussed, understood, and supported.’’
Iqra said: "Young people need to know that severe period pain is not something they should just put up with. By talking more openly about menstrual health and endometriosis, we can help people get the support they need and make sure no one suffers in silence."
What a Westminster welcome
Our charity is so blessed to have the active and personal support of a sitting Member of Parliament – who has even taken to the floor of the House to bolster our message.
Elsie Blundell, MP for Middleton North and Heywood (Greater Manchester), has been an ever-present advocate and we were delighted to read her thoughts about our recent visit to Westminster, in the Rochdale Times - https://www.rochdaletimes.co.uk/campaigners-want-better-workplace-support-for-endometriosis-sufferers/
“I was very pleased to welcome Anita, Laura, Courtney, Lucy and Lorna to Parliament to participate in a moment of real reflection for MPs and their constituents from across the country and all political parties.
“Too many women are in crippling pain waiting for diagnosis and treatment, making this a national issue that needs attention by the NHS and the Department of Health — an issue of fair employment too.
“We cannot have women curtailing their ambitions because of a lack of understanding or engagement from employers.
“Local women who have come to me, as their MP, deserve to be listened to as they battle to live their lives without pain and I will make sure that their voices are heard — at work, in healthcare settings and here in Westminster.
“Inviting these brave women to Parliament and to come along on this journey is a privilege as our local MP.”
We thank Elsie once again and appeal to politicians of all persuasions to join with us in raising awareness of endometriosis.
After all, this is a human issue that can affect people from any and all backgrounds.
Endo empathy from eminent surgeon
Mr. Diwakar Sarma brought great enlightenment on bowel endometriosis to delegates at a recent Dr’s conference.
The President, Surgery Section, Royal College of Medicine, urged early recognition, better decision making and integrated care.
He also displayed huge human understanding of warriors.
Read more by visiting FOR MEDICS.
No sugar-coating Pink Chai message
Our founder delivered a powerful straightforward message to South Asian women recently – make sure you get your mammogram.
Dr Anita Sharma was speaking at the latest gathering of the Pink Chai campaign, designed to get women to open-up about health issues over a cup of the Indian continent’s favourite brew.
Reminding her audience that early detection was vital in combatting cancer, she said “We know that many women, particularly from ethnic minority backgrounds, are not attending their screening appointments. And the reasons are complex. Some women feel embarrassed. Some are worried about pain. Some don’t trust the system. Others simply put themselves last because they are busy caring for families, working, and managing life. And some don’t realise that breast cancer can affect younger women too.
We need to change this — together.”
Dr Sharma used her day-to-day experience as a GP to illustrate the perils of not being tested, and concluded: “I want to say this from one woman to another --
• Please attend the breast screening when you get an invite
• Encourage the women in your families, your communities, and your workplaces to attend their breast screening when invited
• Do self-care. Examine your breasts regularly.
Early detection saves lives.
And every woman deserves to live longer, healthier and happier lives.”
Find out what we're really about, on film
Click onto our brand new movie, detailing what Endometriosis Awareness North is all about Endometriosis Awareness North - YouTube
Featuring our treasured case study Courtney, it also gives medics a platform to call for quicker diagnosis of endometriosis.
With thanks to filmmakers Andrea Bertozzi and Pete Gibson Media.
Donate
We are registered with The Charity Commission. Our charity number is 1212676.
You can do your bit to research a cure to endo and support the one-in-ten women with the condition by going to our DONATE page.