Statement of Commitment

We are a health-focused non-profit organization and members of the endometriosis (“endo”) community.

In the past, endometriosis has not received enough attention as a health issue because it was seen as something that only women deal with. Many people suffering from it were not taken seriously because women’s pain was often seen as normal, and healthcare providers did not always believe women’s descriptions of their symptoms and experiences with their bodies. This led to people with endometriosis being dismissed as simply “having bad periods” or even “being hysterical.”  

Barriers to diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis are even more pronounced in certain communities. The Endometriosis Network Canada is committed to growing to meet the needs of all those impacted by endometriosis in Canada. We recognize that communities that have been historically and intentionally excluded face problems and challenges that need to be urgently addressed. 

These communities include but are not limited to:

• Indigenous Peoples
• Racialized groups
• 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
• People living in rural, remote, and northern communities
• Newcomer communities
• Youth

The Endometriosis Network Canada (TENC) also acknowledges the ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and the systemic racism of the healthcare system. We also recognize other forms of discrimination that people face in the healthcare system. These forms of discrimination include but are not limited to transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, misogyny and ableism. TENC is committed to creating a safer, more inclusive space where all people living with endometriosis can find support and build trust within the community.

TENC launched the Endo Ambassador Program in 2023, an outreach initiative designed to connect with individuals with endometriosis from communities that need urgent attention. Volunteer ambassadors serve as representatives for their communities and help inform the development of further endometriosis support and educational resources based on their unique needs.

The Endometriosis Network Canada acknowledges the many traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples whose land we live, work and gather on.