Menstrual and women’s health issues should never be a barrier to education or work.
Yet for many students and staff here at Leeds University Union and the University of Leeds, conditions such as Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder can have a huge impact on daily life.
From pain, fatigue, and focus, to mental health and social wellbeing, these ‘invisible’ conditions and their effects are often regarded as something women need to just “quietly get on with.”
Conversations around women’s health are surrounded by silence and stigma and reflect a lack of research into these areas. Those experiencing symptoms feel pressured to “push through,” lacking the support that they need, and deserve.
It’s time to make women’s health visible at Leeds.
Hi I’m Safiyah your Equality and Liberation Officer!
In my second year, I observed that myself and many of my friends have dealt with some form of women’s health related condition branching from chronic pain to embedded UTS to Endometriosis flare ups to intense period pains. It was when I was applying for LeadLUU and I wasn’t able to physically attend the training, I thought to myself ‘it doesn’t have to be like this.’
Society has made it feel normal that women should not speak out, but nonetheless we do. Society has normalised our pain and suffering, until now too. In order to liberate ourselves from this patriarchal pain labyrinth we must navigate ourselves towards acknowledging that this not fair. We must embed women’s health policies and support into our education and work systems.
We must create an environment that is tailored to uplift us and address our pain not sweep it under the carpet.
Did you know?
1 in 10 women are affected by endometriosis.
1 in 10 women live with PCOS.
43% experience pain during every menstrual cycle.
Students with undiagnosed menstrual conditions miss up to 11 weeks of university over a 3-year course.
73% reported impacted lecture attendance, and many experienced reduced concentration.
Staying silent about menstrual health symptoms often worsens the effects felt by those experiencing them.
This needs to change.
How are we supporting you?
Becoming an Endometriosis-Friendly Union & Employer
As part of our five-year commitment to end the stigma around menstrual health, we are taking meaningful and impactful steps to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for both students and staff.
Our steps forward include:
- Becoming an ‘Endo-Friendly’ Employer and Union, making sure that our spaces and services are visible, accessible, and supportive.
- Providing practical support, such as access to heat pads for pain relief.
- Normalising open conversations about menstrual and women’s health.
- Developing student and staff support policies to ensure that long-term, meaningful change is present.
- Raising awareness of women’s health and menstrual wellbeing through events and community events.
No formal diagnosis is needed to access support from your Union.
We recognise that obtaining a diagnosis can be a long and often difficult or frustrating journey. We believe that everyone deserves understanding, care, and validation, regardless of these factors.
Together, we can create a student community where health challenges do not impact learning, working, and life – and where open conversations continue to thrive.
Let’s Endo The Stigma, together. Period.
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