More Than an Award: Why Milli Weaver’s Win Matters

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to amplifying voices, increasing recognition and pushing for change.

This year, the message feels even more powerful with our own Milli Weaver being recognised as Young NSW Woman of the Year. Milli’s win is not only a personal achievement but a significant moment for endometriosis awareness across Australia. 

For many young people, endometriosis is an invisible and often misunderstood condition that is estimated to impact 1 in 7 Australian women. It takes on average 5 to 7 years to diagnose and during that period many young people are misdiagnosed, dismissed or told the pain is ‘normal’. This is what makes advocacy so important and why voices like Milli’s matter.

Milli has used her platform to shed light on a condition that has historically been unrepresented in public conversation. She has shared her lived experience with endometriosis through storytelling, education and community engagement to help break the stigma and encourage open dialogue around women’s health. Beyond awareness, Milli’s impact lies with her power to connect. It's not about statistics or policy, it's about people. It's about making someone feel seen, understood and supported. A sense of validation can be life-changing for someone with endometriosis. 

What makes Milli’s recognition particularly meaningful is its timing. Being awarded Young NSW Woman of the Year during Endometriosis Awareness Month emphasises the importance of continued advocacy and reminds us of the progress that can be made when individuals speak up. The award also sends a powerful message to young women encountering similar challenges and they should be heard, their experiences supported, and their voices believed. 

At its core, this award is more than just about a person, it's about what her voice represents. Milli Weaver’s recognition reflects a growing desire to listen to the experiences of women and to take them seriously. As awareness continues to grow, it's clear that sharing stories and speaking up isn't just powerful, it’s necessary.