The Next Chapter: Introducing Hlengz - The African Endo Warrior

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. — Seneca

When I first started my blog, The Endo. My Life, my heart was in one place: sharing my personal journey with endometriosis. It was about shining a light on the struggles, triumphs, and lessons that come with living with a condition so often misunderstood and dismissed. I wanted to share my knowledge, my experiences, and my voice with fellow warriors and their loved ones—to let others know they weren’t alone in this fight.

What I didn’t expect was how much my little corner of the internet would grow. The words I poured out to heal myself and connect with others started reaching beyond my immediate world. Slowly but surely, the stories, conversations, and connections began to travel, touching the hearts of warriors across Africa and even globally. And while I’m forever grateful for the journey The Endo. My Life has taken me on, I realised along the way that this space is no longer just about me or my story—it’s about us.

As I connected with more women, particularly across Africa, it became impossible to ignore the challenges we face as African endometriosis warriors. The lack of resources, awareness, education, and access to care is staggering. Many warriors suffer in silence because they are dismissed by their communities or cannot access medical help. Yet, in these stories, I also found strength, resilience, and a deep yearning for change—a change I want to help drive.

I realised that my purpose had evolved. This blog is no longer just a reflection of my personal story; it’s a platform for sharing our collective stories, amplifying our voices, and fighting for our future.

Being born in Eswatini, now living in South Africa, and falling in love with Africa’s people and culture during my travels, it became clear to me that my identity as an advocate isn’t tied to one country—it spans the continent. The name “The Endo. My Life” no longer felt big enough to hold the vision I have for this space. That’s how Hlengz - The African Endo Warrior was born.

Across Africa, accessing healthcare remains one of the greatest challenges faced by millions of people, particularly women. For conditions like endometriosis, which is still shrouded in mystery and misinformation, the situation is even more dire. The lack of awareness, resources, and education about feminine health issues means that many women suffer in silence, unable to receive the support or treatment they desperately need.

For African women, stigma also plays a huge role in limiting access to healthcare. Feminine health is often treated as taboo, with topics like menstruation, pelvic pain, and reproductive health swept under the rug. Women experiencing symptoms of conditions like endometriosis are frequently dismissed, labeled as overly dramatic, or told that the pain is just “a normal part of being a woman.” This societal dismissal often translates into a lack of prioritisation by healthcare systems, leaving many African women with few or no options for proper care.

This is why platforms like Hlengz - The African Endo Warrior are so crucial. By amplifying the voices of African women and advocating for greater awareness, education, and resources, we can challenge the stigmas and barriers that prevent women from accessing the care they deserve. It’s not just about one story—it’s about creating a movement where our collective voices are loud enough to demand the change that has been long overdue.

As The African Endo Warrior, I want to open up this platform to amplify the voices of other warriors from all corners of Africa. Our stories deserve to be heard—by the people around us, by governments and policymakers, by researchers, and by the world. With more voices, we can create change. We can demand the attention, resources, and understanding we need and deserve.

The tragic story of Mary Njambi Koikai, better known as Jahmby Koikai, is a devastating yet powerful reminder of why this work is so important. Jahmby, a celebrated reggae DJ and media personality from Kenya, dedicated most of her life to raising awareness about endometriosis—a condition that ultimately led to her untimely passing in June 2024 at just 38 years old.

Jahmby’s story was one of courage, resilience, and unrelenting advocacy. She lived with thoracic endometriosis, a severe form of the disease where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, including in the lungs. For Jahmby, this meant that her lungs would collapse every month during her period, requiring numerous surgeries and treatments just to stay alive.

It took Jahmby 17 years to receive a proper diagnosis—17 years of excruciating pain, uncertainty, and being dismissed by medical professionals. Despite the immense challenges she faced, Jahmby used her platform to fight for change. She spoke out against the gender pain gap and tirelessly called on Kenyan authorities to invest in healthcare systems that could better support women suffering from menstrual and reproductive health disorders.

In her final social media message, shared just days before her passing, Jahmby made a heartfelt plea to Kenyan leaders, particularly President William Ruto. She urged him to prioritise healthcare for women, emphasising the urgent need for facilities specialising in endometriosis treatment. Jahmby’s death exposed the stark realities of the healthcare system in Kenya and beyond—highlighting the dire consequences of neglecting women’s health.

Her bravery and advocacy continue to inspire countless women across Africa, reminding us that even in the face of unimaginable pain, our voices matter.

Jahmby Koikai’s story is one of many, and it reinforces why the fight for awareness, research, and better healthcare for endometriosis is so critical. Her struggles and untimely death are not isolated; they reflect the experiences of countless women across the continent and around the globe, who face similar battles with inadequate healthcare, stigma, and neglect.

Hlengz - The African Endo Warrior is more than just a rebrand—it’s a movement. It’s a call to action for all of us to stand together, to share our stories, and to demand better healthcare and resources for African women. Whether it’s amplifying the voices of other endo warriors, educating young girls, or advocating for more research and funding, this platform is about creating a brighter future for all of us.

If we can unite our voices and push for change, I believe we can make a difference. Jahmby’s plea for better healthcare does not have to die with her. It can live on through our collective efforts, pushing policymakers, healthcare providers, and society at large to recognise the urgent need for action. Let’s honour Jahmby’s legacy by continuing to fight—not just for ourselves, but for every woman who has ever been dismissed, overlooked, or left behind by the system.

We’ve already seen the incredible things that can happen when the world focuses on a cause—COVID-19 vaccines were developed in record time because global efforts were united and urgent. So why can’t the same be done for endometriosis? Imagine the possibilities if more funds, researchers, and resources were directed toward understanding and finding a cure for this debilitating condition. I believe it’s possible, but we must continue to push, advocate, and educate.

I’m inviting you to follow this journey. Join me on my social media pages, where I’ll be sharing updates, stories, and ways for you to get involved. Share Hlengz - The African Endo Warrior with your friends, family, and anyone who needs to hear about the work we’re doing. This isn’t just about me anymore. It’s about us—about creating a stronger, louder, and more united front for endometriosis awareness, education, and change. By sharing our stories, advocating together, and amplifying our voices, I truly believe we can drive the changes we need to see.

As I take this next step, I’m deeply grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey so far. Together, we can make a difference—not just in our own lives, but for the countless women and girls who are fighting battles they should never have to fight alone.

Let’s build something extraordinary together. Let’s make the present count for a better, brighter future for all warriors.

With love and gratitude,

Hlengz - The African Endo Warrior

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