Balancing Motherhood, Dyslexia, and Endometriosis
Publication date:
For many university students, producing a final-year graduation film is the ultimate creative hurdle. For BA (Hons) Digital Film student, Charlene, even greater achievement – one that demonstrates resilience, determination and courage.
Mother of two, part-time retail employee, and a student living with dyslexia- Charlene was already balancing a full plate. She also has endometriosis, a condition that causes chronic pain, fatigue and disruption to her life.
Charlene, however, chose to tackle an even deeper, more personal challenge for her final project by directing a film based on her own life, with endometriosis.
Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women in the UK and, despite its prevalence, it remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed.
Rather than letting her symptoms and heavy personal commitments hold her back, Charlene transformed her experience into an empowering and insightful short film. Her production offers an authentic and relatable look at living with endometriosis - delivering a message that feels more accessible to fellow students than a traditional television documentary.
She Who feels it graphic charlene harewoor
Charlene quote
My driving force of making the movie about endometriosis was both personal and political, I wanted to highlight the day to day tribulation suffers have to go through. Durung my research i have found men under the age of 40 have no clue what the disease is, or how it impacts both women and men. so if my movie helps to educate at least a couple of and help young ladies to advocate for themselves and also to know their feelings are valid.”
Charlene’s film comes at a crucial time for health advocacy. As we highlight Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month this July, her work sheds a much-needed light on the broader spectrum of reproductive health challenges that many of our own students and staff navigate in silence.
Her project serves two vital purposes for our university community:
Inspiration: proving that neurodivergence, health challenges, and family commitments don't have to stand in the way of high-level academic and creative success.
Solidarity: reminding anyone on campus dealing with chronic health issues that they are not alone, and that their stories deserve to be heard.
Charlene’s achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when passion meets perseverance and creativity.
We hope her film sparks conversations, builds empathy and encourages greater understanding of endometriosis, while celebrating the achievements of a student who has transformed her personal experience into a powerful piece of work.
Click here to watch Charlene's film, She Who Feels It.
Need Support? If you or someone you know is affected by endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or chronic illness, reach out to the university wellbeing team here or visit Endometriosis UK for resources on how to get involved and guidance.
