Karen Nyamu addressed attendees at Natalie Githinji’s endometriosis awareness event at KICC.
The nominated senator continued her address despite interruptions as Natalie Githinji’s event brought together thousands to support women living with endometriosis.
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu faced loud chants of ‘Wantam’ from sections of the crowd while addressing an endometriosis awareness event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The interruptions occurred during Natalie Githinji’s Endometriosis Warriors (N.E.W) event, which brought together thousands of people to raise awareness about the condition and support women living with it.
Video footage from the gathering shows sections of the audience chanting as Nyamu speaks. Despite the disruption, the senator continued her address, turning attention to her efforts to bring endometriosis before the Senate.
Nyamu highlights Senate motion notice
Nyamu told attendees that she had given notice on September 10 of her intention to move a motion on endometriosis in the Senate. She presented parliamentary attention as part of the push to address the challenges facing women with the condition.
Her remarks concerned a notice to introduce a motion, rather than an announcement that the Senate had passed one. She also called for greater attention to endometriosis, including difficulties surrounding diagnosis, treatment and access to specialised care.
Although the chants interrupted her speech, Nyamu continued discussing the health issue at the centre of the gathering. The event’s focus was awareness and support for women whose lives have been affected by endometriosis.
Githinji brings her advocacy to KICC
The gathering was organised by media personality and content creator Natalie Githinji, who has publicly shared her experience of living with stage 4 endometriosis.
Githinji has used that experience to raise awareness and encourage women experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention. The N.E.W event brought that advocacy to a large gathering at KICC, with thousands attending in support of the cause.
Her work has placed her among the prominent voices speaking publicly about endometriosis. Through sharing her own health struggles, she has continued drawing attention to the experiences of women living with the condition and the need for support.
Awareness drive continues during recovery
The event took place as Githinji continued recovering from her own recent health difficulties. In August, she was admitted to hospital following an endometriosis flare-up and received treatment for severe pain.
Days before the KICC gathering, she posted a message on Instagram urging fellow endometriosis warriors to be patient with themselves. She noted that recovery and healing can vary from one person to another.
That message of patience accompanied her continuing advocacy. While the interruptions during Nyamu’s address drew attention, the gathering also provided a platform for discussion of diagnosis, care and support for women living with endometriosis.
