Anji Sandhu is a global entrepreneur and a passionate champion of women’s health. In this article, she speaks to Westender Magazine about her award-winning app – the PCOS Buddy and her campaign to break the shame and stigma often associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Anji Sandhu is quite some woman. She has a Masters in International Law and Security, with a focus and primary interest in Economic Governance. Anji is a woman who wants to make a difference. She has worked extensively in Rwanda. There, she worked on reconstructing societal issues and policy solutions to combat the hardships faced by the population. Her breadth of work has gone from focusing on the economics of country’s export market all the way to ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the Rwandans by planting different types of trees.
One can see that this is a lady who identifies problems and finds solutions.
Carrie
Fast forward to 2021. Anji is back in the UK and receives a call from an old University friend, Carrie. Carrie, from university, had gone on to work for the International Monetary Fund. She had been one of the highest achievers at university. But Carrie told Anji that she had been sectioned. And so followed her dear friend’s story of a psychotic episode that had led her to being hospitalised. Anji says ‘She had male pattern hair growth on her face. She had become so distressed by it she had become totally isolated, socially excluding herself.’
Anji’s friend was initially misdiagnosed by her GP. The actual diagnosis, which can take many years to confirm, was Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This is a hormonal condition where ovaries are enlarged due to high hormone levels. Tiny follicles grow on them and can hinder ovulation, cause irregular periods and can cause male pattern hair growth.
The stigma of the physical symptoms of the condition are such, that those living with it rarely speak about it. Anji says ‘I immediately wanted to help her not just with her symptoms, but with the wider cultural issues.’
Anji’s problems solving skills came to the forefront and in conjunction with Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, created the PCOS Buddy. The app helps those affected by the condition to track and manage their symptoms. The app, in development for three years, has undergone rigorous medical trials to ensure its credibility. Those trialling the app have experienced significant symptom recovery, with their quality of life improving tremendously.
Anji plans to write a paper on her research to be published by a medical journal, before the anticipated launch of the App in Autumn 2025.
From Strength to Strength
Meanwhile, this motivated entrepreneur is focussing on the next part of her PCOS quest: tackling the taboos of the condition. Anji launched the campaign ‘Unlipping PCOS’, where celebrities and the public were challenged to take the Half Lip Selfie Challenge. This symbolic gesture signified the need to push against staying quiet, coping, having a ‘stiff upper lip’ about living with PCOS. Celebrities who took up the challenge include Carole Smillie, Cherie Blair and even Rod Stewart. Anji is passionate about getting people to talk about PCOS.
To this end, she is ready to launch her PCOS Workplace Pledge. At the end of January Anji began to work with hundreds of businesses across the West End, asking them to take the Workplace PCOS Pledge. This involves, at its very core, having businesses understanding the nature of the condition and creating a culture of compassion and support for any employees living with PCOS. There’s a real focus in the pledge to prioritize employee wellbeing and to have open non-judgemental communication channels. For example, should an employee need a break, it’s there for them; need a cuppa and a chat? The pledge helps businesses understand the power of flexibility in the workplace – which benefits both parties.
An app launch, an awareness campaign and a workplace pledge; is Anji working on anything else?! ‘We’re actually seeking sponsorship for the Workplace Pledge campaign as the pledge is voluntary’ she says.
And so, her ceaseless work to make society a bit better for all continues. Thank goodness for people like Anji Sandhu.
For information, help and support for PCOS in Scotland and beyond, contact –
The Samaritans
w:samaritans.org/scotland/
Workplace Pledge as part of the National Campaign Unlipping PCOS: w:unlippingpcos.org
For further information and PCOS Support Scotland, plus the PCOS Buddy visit: w:buddypcos.org
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