Endometriosis in Westminster from debate to dancing

A joyful line dance was not on my long to-do list for 3 November. Yet there I was, dancing alongside other women who had come to Parliament for a debate on endometriosis. Behind the dancing was an endo warrior’s campaign: she dances every day while waiting for her surgery date and shares each dance on social media.

                        Joy in the face of adversity, a choice women worldwide often take.

However, most things about those few hours were extraordinary and incredibly special indeed, and maybe dancing whilst surrounding by such positive women was in fact the best thing we could be doing.

Hosted by the incredible MP Tulip Siddiq the Westminster Hall debate “The Potential merits of adding gynaecological conditions to Equality Act 2010 guidance")

was part of a broader initiative led by her constituent, Sanju Pal, who had taken her employer to court after dismissed for taking leave for endometriosis surgery.

Sanju initially won her case, but the ruling has since been challenged, leaving her facing another David and Goliath battle.

Into this space she has made a formidable ally in her MP who spoke in parliament in May about the case:

“Women with Endometriosis have been failed by the employment rights system and it is damaging their lives families and the economy. gynaecological health should never cost you your livelihood “

Tulip Siddiq MP has used her platform with passion and perseverance and has built on the work of others such as Endometriosis UK who have campaigned for years consistently on the issues. On individuals like Emma Barnett, and on countless women and campaigners who are using their lived experience to call for change.

These calls are now being heard, and our Prime Minster has responded to the challenge stating:

 "I know there are women across the country who suffer terribly with endometriosis and often feel they are not seen, not listened to, when it comes to the treatment that they need,

 It is why out women's health strategy set out precisely how we will improve treatment for conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women, including endometriosis.

It is about redesigning clinical pathways, removing the need for repeat appointments. There is a lot to do but I can assure her it's very high on the government's agenda."

These comments, the campaigning of Sanju Pal, Tulip Siddiq, the all-party parliamentary group and Endometriosis UK amongst countless others all then led to the events of the 3rd of November and the Westminster Hall debate (plus optional dancing)

Tulip Siddiq began the Debate by talking about the impact of meeting Sanju and the realisation of the cost of inaction, economically, socially, and crucially for each woman affected.

Michelle Welsh MP spoke powerfully about her own lived experience and the effects of having to wait so long to be heard and helped.

“Women can spend years questioning themselves, when we should instead be questioning the system.”

There was strong cross-party representation from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Greens and a very warm reception from Parliamentary Under-secretary of state for Equalities Satvir Kaur MP

In her closing remarks, Ms Kaur said the statistics spoke for themselves but stressed that each figure represents a woman who has struggled alone for far too long.

Speaking after the debate Sanju Summarised

"What a historic moment in Westminster Hall hearing cross party MPs push for gynaecological conditions to be added to Equality Act 2010 guidance. Thank you to everyone who is supporting our crusade for change and to Tulip for her unwavering belief in my campaign for justice."

 So, the pre meet dancing may well in fact have been the best, and most appropriate response to such a serious and seriously concerning debate. A debate of great gravity and importance that left us all with a little more hope.

“BE AFRAID OF THE QUIET ONES WHEN THEY STOP TALKING BUT BE TERRIFIED OF THE POWERFUL WOMEN WHEN THEY DANCE “

I am certain then that many of us will embrace joy, even while waiting in the face of adversity.

 Anya Sizer Vice chair of FWN and Womens health advocate