Joan Abenakyo

My name is Joan Abenakyo, and my journey with endometriosis has been one of pain, confusion, and resilience. For a long time, I did not understand what was happening to my body. I experienced extremely painful menstrual periods that affected me physically, emotionally, and mentally. The pain was often overwhelming, making it difficult for me to concentrate, attend classes regularly, and perform well at school. At some point, I developed a fistula, which made my situation even more challenging and uncomfortable. Instead of receiving understanding, I faced denial—from others and even within myself at first. Many people did not believe the seriousness of my condition, and some misunderstood what I was going through. There were hurtful assumptions and rumors, including people thinking that I had aborted, which was not true. These judgments affected my confidence and made me feel isolated. I struggled not only with the physical pain but also with the emotional burden of being misunderstood. In the midst of all this, I met Dr Grace, an endometriosis Warrior and advocate that became a turning point in my journey. She listened to me, believed my story, and guided me towards understanding my condition better. Through her support, I found hope, strength, and a sense of community. She helped me realize that I was not alone and that my pain was valid. I was also fortunate to meet Peter, an investor who believed in our vision. Through his support, we have begun building a Pan-African holistic center for endometriosis warriors—a safe space where others like me can receive care, support, and information. This initiative has given my journey a new purpose: turning my pain into something that can help others. Despite all the challenges, my journey has made me stronger. I have learned the importance of speaking up, seeking help, and educating others about endometriosis. My experience has shaped me into someone who is more aware, resilient, and determined to overcome challenges. This is my story—not just of pain, but of strength, purpose, and survival. — Joan Abenakyo