Our Mahi, Achievements and Impact

Endo Warriors Aotearoa is a lived-experience led charity working to improve menstrual health, endometriosis awareness, education, advocacy, research, support and period equity across Aotearoa.

Since our mahi began, we have supported thousands of people through education, practical resources, one-to-one support, community outreach, advocacy and lived-experience led projects. Our work is grounded in manaakitanga, inclusion, community care and the belief that no one should feel alone, dismissed or unsupported because of endometriosis, pelvic pain or period poverty.

Our impact includes:

• Delivered more than 52 menstrual health and endometriosis education sessions across schools and communities since our mahi began.

• Supported thousands of people through messages, emails, Zoom calls, advocacy support, resources and community connection.

• Distributed more than 6,000 period products, including reusable pads, menstrual cups, period underwear and essential period care.

• Attended and hosted many community events, helping to bring endometriosis and menstrual health conversations into public spaces.

• Provided free education and resources to young people, whānau, schools, community groups and those facing barriers to care.

• Supported and funded research into medicinal cannabis and endometriosis-related pelvic pain in Aotearoa, which has now been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

• Presented a petition with 5,921 signatures calling for an independent review and rewrite of Aotearoa’s endometriosis guidelines.

• Continued to advocate for better recognition, diagnosis, treatment, support and national guidance for those living with endometriosis in Aotearoa.

Research and lived-experience evidence

Endo Warriors Aotearoa is proud to have supported and funded research exploring the perceived impact of prescribed medicinal cannabis on pelvic pain and endometriosis-related symptoms in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This study has now been published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. It is one of the first peer-reviewed observational cohort studies in Aotearoa looking at prescribed medicinal cannabis and symptom change over time for people with endometriosis.

The research found that some participants reported reductions in pelvic pain and improvements in quality of life. It also highlighted ongoing barriers, including cost, stigma, dosage uncertainty and access challenges.

This mahi is an important step in building a stronger evidence base around endometriosis care, pain management and the lived realities of those who are often left to navigate complex symptoms with limited support.

Advocacy and systems change

In 2026, Endo Warriors Aotearoa presented a petition calling for an independent review and rewrite of Aotearoa’s endometriosis guidelines. The petition received 5,921 signatures and has now been transferred to the Health Committee.

This is a major milestone for our community. It shows that people living with endometriosis, their whānau and those who support them are calling for real change, better care and clearer national guidance.

Period equity and education

Our period equity work helps reduce barriers for young people and communities who may not otherwise have access to safe, suitable and sustainable period products.

Through our education sessions, we provide practical information about periods, menstrual health, endometriosis symptoms, when to seek help and how to advocate for care. Where funding allows, we also provide period underwear, cups, reusable pads and resource packs.

Community support

Much of our impact happens quietly through everyday support. This includes replying to messages from people in pain, helping someone prepare for an appointment, sharing resources, writing support letters, connecting people with services and reminding people that their pain and experiences are real.

This behind-the-scenes mahi is a core part of Endo Warriors Aotearoa.

Looking ahead

We are continuing to grow our education, advocacy, research and support mahi across Aotearoa. Our upcoming work includes expanding online workshops, strengthening school and community education, developing new resources and launching Now You See Me – The Endometriosis Empowerment Project, a first-of-its-kind photographic exhibition sharing the lived experiences of those with endometriosis in Aotearoa.

Every donation, partnership, volunteer hour and act of support helps us continue this mahi.