IDIAPJGol organizes a photography exhibition to raise awareness of the experiences of women with endometriosis

On March 13th at 6:00 PM, the exhibition "The wounds are what remains inside: the implications of living with endometriosis" will be inaugurated in the Lobby of Espai Francesca Bonnemaison, part of the Barcelona Provincial Council. This exhibition, open to visitors until April 25, 2025, features narratives and images created by nine women affected by endometriosis, highlighting the implications of living with this condition

The Espai Francesca Bonnemaison, part of the Barcelona Provincial Council, will inaugurate the photography exhibition "The wounds are what remains inside: the implications of living with endometriosis" on March 13th at 6:00 PM. This exhibition reflects the implications of living with endometriosis, the diagnostic process, and access to healthcare services for affected women in Catalonia. The exhibition will be open in the Lobby of Espai Francesca Bonnemaison until April 25, 2025.

 

The narratives and photographs on display are part of a qualitative study conducted using the Photovoice method, coordinated by Laura Medina Perucha, a researcher at the Jordi Gol i Gurina Institute for Research in Primary Care (IDIAPJGol), in collaboration with the Association of Women Affected by Endometriosis of Catalonia (Endo&Cat). Catalan Institute of Health (ICS) and the Center for Health Analysis and Programs (CAPS)lan Institute of Health (ICS) and the Center for Health Analysis and Programs (CAPS), have also participated. The exhibition was prepared by Andrea García Egea, a researcher at IDIAPJGol, in collaboration with the Barcelona Provincial Council.

This study explored the personal experiences of those affected and highlighted the late diagnosis of endometriosis, its emotional and social repercussions, and the need for a more comprehensive approach within the healthcare system.

Photovoice Method

The study in which the exhibition is framed used the qualitative Photovoice method, which allows experiences to be expressed through photography and group discussions, promoting the active participation of those affected by creating a space for reflection on their daily lives.

Throughout several group sessions, the participants captured images representing the difficulties and emotions associated with living with endometriosis. Subsequently, these photographs were analysed together with the researchers to draw conclusions and recommendations on the main challenges and impacts of the disease. The study highlighted aspects such as the invisibility of endometriosis, the prolonged time required to obtain a diagnosis, and the emotional, occupational, social, and economic repercussions of living with this health condition.

Between 10 % and 18 % of those affected

Endometriosis is a chronic disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, which can impact quality of life, emotional health, social relationships, sexuality, and the professional and economic spheres.

This is a health condition with no cure that affects between 10% and 18% of women of reproductive age. It remains underdiagnosed, with most cases taking between 6 and 10 years to be identified. Additionally, the disease is little known among the general population and even among many healthcare professionals.

The exhibition aims to be a tool for awareness and dissemination, bringing the reality of affected women closer to the public and promoting a change in social perception and the approach to endometriosis.

‘Feminism adds ups’, the slogan of the institutional 8M campaign

The exhibition is part of World Endometriosis Day, celebrated on March 14, and the events organized by the Barcelona Provincial Council to commemorate International Women's Day.

‘Feminism adds up’ is the slogan of this year's institutional 8M campaign, which focuses on analysing and understanding the antifeminist counteroffensive to effectively combat it, highlighting the achievements made possible by feminist mobilizations and local policies, and providing tools and strategies to political and technical leaders, as well as collectives, to counteract setbacks and threats to rights and freedoms.

The Feminisms and Equality Department of the Barcelona Provincial Council has provided support and guidance for the creation of the exhibition, which will be on display at Espai Francesca Bonnemaison, an emblematic building and a symbol of the Catalan feminist movement, located at Sant Pere Més Baix, 7, Barcelona.