On today’s episode of ‘Circling The Rabbit Hole’ podcast, we speak about a chronic and often very painful condition that has impacted the lives of many women — Endometriosis. According to statistics, Endometriosis affects roughly 1 in 10 women globally, and in Kenya, it's estimated that over 4 million women suffer from this debilitating condition. Yet, many go undiagnosed for years due to a lack of awareness and limited access to proper healthcare.

Today I am honored to sit down with the remarkable Elsie Wandera, a true warrior in every sense of the word, to talk about endometriosis. As the founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of Kenya and someone who has battled endometriosis herself—enduring multiple surgeries and fertility challenges—Elsie’s resilience and dedication to raising awareness for the condition is nothing short of inspiring.

Today we discuss how women can better cope with endometriosis, the emotional and physical toll it takes, and how to manage its debilitating symptoms. We also dive into the stigma surrounding motherhood for women with endometriosis, discussing the judgement and societal pressure that often comes with fertility struggles. Furthermore, we highlight the crucial need for health workers to be more informed and aware of endometriosis, so they can offer timely diagnosis and better healthcare support for women suffering from this condition.

Join us as we unpack the important topics surrounding this condition and learn how we can break the silence, improve healthcare, and support women living with endometriosis.

Elsie Wandera is a dynamic Kenyan social entrepreneur and women's health advocate, with a strong focus on endometriosis. She is the Founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of Kenya and a member of the World Endometriosis Organisations Steering Committee.

She has received numerous accolades for her advocacy work for women with endometriosis, including the Kotex #SheCanAwards Honoree in 2021 and the 2018 Jacob's Well Award. She also received the Heroes with Impact Award from Unilever in London, UK for embodying the company's values and demonstrating passion and purpose in and out of the workplace. She is also a member of the World Endometriosis Society.

Connect with Elsie Wandera on social media @elsie_wandera

Connect with Endometriosis Foundation of Kenya on social media @endofoundke

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