Its origins trace back to Women’s History Week, first proclaimed in 1980 before expanding in 1987 into a month-long observance honouring the social, economic and political achievements of women.

And at the heart of this celebration lies International Women’s Day, marked every year on the 8th day of March.

Beyond the long captions and trending hashtags celebrating women’s achievements, there is another conversation unfolding quietly in March, though it still remains unfamiliar to many.

March also marks Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time meant to raise awareness on this disorder. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 10 per cent of women, around 190 million, suffer from this chronic illness in their reproductive age.

As the world shines a spotlight on women’s achievements and their invaluable role in the society, it is equally important to bring attention to the health challenges that many of them battle silently.

Ralph Emerson, an American philosopher, once said, “The first wealth is health”,and I believe that having more conversations about health and well-being is key. 

ABOUT THE CONDITION

Endometriosis is a chronic painful disorder, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and commonly on ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvic tissues.

Menstruation is far from a routine monthly experience for many women living with this illness. Instead, it becomes a nightmare. With it comes the burden of battling excruciating pelvic pain, so intense that carrying on with everyday activities feels nearly impossible.

Tasks that once seemed ordinary, such as going to work, going out, attending class or even getting out of bed, suddenly become overwhelming. What should be a normal bodily process often turns into a painful and exhausting battle.

While the exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown, doctors say the condition can be treated and managed.

One common treatment is laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to locate and remove the tissue growing outside the uterus.

Using a small camera and specialised instruments inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen, surgeons are able to directly remove these growths, helping many women find relief from years of persistent pain.

With the painful realities of endometriosis laid bare, this Women’s Month calls for urgent action. There is a pressing need to create greater awareness about the condition and for governments, health agencies and other stakeholders to step in.

This means improving treatment facilities, normalising free screening sessions, providing funding to help women from low-income and marginalised communities access the care they need and spearheading campaigns that break the stigma surrounding endometriosis.

Every effort counts in easing the burden of pain that millions of women quietly endure each month.

Women’s Month is more than just celebrating achievements. It is about gender equity and addressing the gaps that continue to affect women’s lives.

While recognising milestones and successes is important, it is also vital to confront what is failing and work to fix it.

The millions of women living with this chronic disease embody resilience, courage and determination. It is time for those in positions of power to acknowledge this strength not just with words but also with tangible support. After all, women’s health should never be treated as an option but as a top priority.