Men Are Stepping Up: Inside EndoBrothers, the Male Allies for Women with Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet many struggle to be heard — especially by the men closest to them. Enter EndoBrothers, a network of men championing awareness, empathy, and support for women with this condition. Founder Zachary Roland shares why men’s involvement is crucial in changing the conversation.

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT ZACHARY ROLAND Founder EndoBrothers Facebook

ENDOBROTHERS: MEN SUPPORTING WOMEN LIVING WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis is a painful, often misunderstood condition that affects roughly one in ten women worldwide.

For many, the challenge isn’t just the physical toll but also the lack of understanding from family, friends — and particularly men.

That gap is what inspired Zachary Roland to lead EndoBrothers, a support arm of the women’s health organization MyEndosis.

“Our mission is simple,” says Roland. “To respect, understand, and accept. Respect women living with this disease, understand what they go through, and accept some responsibility to do our part in supporting them.”

WHY MEN NEED TO SPEAK UP ABOUT ENDOMETRIOSIS

Too often, women with endometriosis find themselves having to explain their condition repeatedly, sometimes without receiving much empathy in return.

Roland noticed that many men — husbands, partners, fathers — lacked knowledge about menstrual health and endometriosis.

“By educating men, they can develop a deeper understanding and empathy,” he explains. “This is crucial in family settings, relationships, and workplaces. When men are informed, society as a whole becomes more respectful and supportive.”

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO LANDMARK EVENTS

EndoBrothers began quietly about 6 years ago, with no “fanfare or fireworks,” as Roland puts it.

It was born out of necessity after seeing too many women struggle to get emotional support from their male family members.

The challenges were immediate: rallying men to support a condition that isn’t theirs and keeping them committed.

Yet, progress has been made.

Their first physical event, held in May 2025 under the theme “Be Strong, Be Compassionate”, marked a turning point.

“For a progressive country like Malaysia, this kind of mindset shift is important. Men need to be part of the menstrual health conversation,” Roland says.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The objectives of EndoBrothers are clear:

• Educate men about endometriosis to reduce misunderstandings and dismissive attitudes
• Encourage empathy, particularly from spouses and partners
• Create a more informed society, where men are active allies in women’s health.

To achieve this, EndoBrothers runs talks and sharing sessions with doctors, psychotherapists, and relationship experts.

These platforms give men the tools to understand the disease and practical ways to support their loved ones.

HOW MEN CAN DO THEIR PART

When asked about the role of men, Roland emphasizes empathy and willingness to learn.

“Lower your guard, set aside ego, and be ready to step into women’s shoes,” he says. “It’s about listening, understanding, and being willing to share the burden.”

He discourages men from dismissing women’s pain as exaggerated, which is a common but damaging misconception.

Instead, he encourages open dialogue and humility, with both genders working together toward mutual understanding.

REWARDS AND REFLECTION

For Roland, the most rewarding part has been the respect EndoBrothers has received for stepping up as a supporting voice for women living with endometriosis.

“Knowing that we can be there when needed, and that people value our role, is deeply fulfilling,” he reflects.

Feedback from the public after their events has been encouraging. The message is clear: men want to be involved — it just takes the right platform to invite them in. EndoBrothers is one such platform.

LOOK AHEAD

Roland hopes EndoBrothers continues as a meaningful collaboration between men and women, helping society move past outdated attitudes.

“My hope is that young men will grow up in a culture where empathy, awareness, and support are the norm,” he says.

For now, the work continues — building bridges, sparking conversations, and proving that when it comes to women’s health, men have a role to play too.