Kōrero mai | Voices · evidence · change

Turning lived experience into action.

We listen to the community, challenge harmful gaps and advocate for better education, recognition, support and endometriosis care across Aotearoa.

Follow the petition See our impact

5,921 voices

Petition for better endometriosis guidance

EWA’s petition called for an independent review and rewrite of the Ministry of Health’s endometriosis guidance, informed by current evidence and the lived realities of those with endometriosis.

On 22 April 2026, the petition was presented to Parliament and formally referred to the Petitions Committee.

Read the official Parliament record Read the petition timeline

Community action

5,921

signatures presented to Parliament, each representing a call for earlier recognition, better access and more equitable care.

Small charity. Real impact.

Founded in 2020 by Yessenia Sandoval, EWA is lived-experience led and grounded in community.

55+period and endometriosis education classes delivered

1,300+students reached through tracked sessions in 2025 and 2026

50+endometriosis talks, workshops and community sessions

10,000+period products, reusables and care packs distributed since 2021

5,921petition signatures presented to Parliament

1peer-reviewed University of Otago study supported through EWA funding

Research support

Supporting—not claiming—research

EWA contributed funding to a peer-reviewed University of Otago study concerning medicinal cannabis and endometriosis or persistent pelvic pain.

The research was conducted and published by the researchers. EWA’s role should always be described accurately as supporting the study through funding.

Read the University of Otago summary

Evidence matters

Future research and policy content will name the source, date and EWA’s exact role so visitors can understand what each claim means.

Awareness through art

Now You See Me

A photographic exhibition making the invisible visible through real bodies, real stories and lived experiences of endometriosis.

8–13 September 2026 · Thistle Hall Community Gallery, Wellington · Free/koha entry.

Explore the exhibition

Media & public conversation

EWA helps bring endometriosis and menstrual health into public conversation through interviews, commentary, campaigns and community storytelling.

Media enquiries

For interviews, comment, background information or collaboration, contact Yessenia Sandoval and include your outlet, topic and deadline.

Contact EWA for media Browse EWA’s media coverage