We do not have to like each other, follow each other or work together to share an existing petition.

The end goal is a National Endometriosis Inquiry and accountability from our Department of Health. That is what I have been campaigning for since March 2024, and we need more signatures to help drive that work forward.

I have already spoken with TDs, senators and ministers. The Taoiseach is also aware of my call for an inquiry and has written to me.

Our following is small, so the petition may not be reaching everyone who would want to support it. Please help bring the existing campaign to a wider audience.

Sharing the Link to this Petition is simple - share the petition via WhatsApp - put the link in your social platforms - it’s that easy - we don’t need dramatic online posts - share the link it’s that easy!

I worry that setting up parallel campaigns without acknowledging work already underway reinforces separation and competition when we could be building momentum towards the same goal.

I also want to be clear: supporting an inquiry does not require me to collaborate with people around whom I feel emotionally unsafe.

I will not work with a group calling itself a “sisterhood” when, from my experience, harmful behaviour towards other women has been tolerated or encouraged. Female solidarity must include accountability. We cannot condemn harmful behaviour by men while excusing similar behaviour by women.

When women describe being defamed in group chats or online stories, the response should be to address that harm. Replicating their work without credit, encouraging boycotts or excluding them does not resolve it.

A text saying “can we talk” does not undo harm or create an entitlement to renewed contact.

An “olive branch” does not excuse behavior.

I will keep speaking about my lived experiences in the face of online bullying. Respecting my boundaries and supporting a national inquiry can happen together.

I explain more in my article, “Online bullying - the cost of telling the truth”:

https://doireannbarrett.substack.com/p/online-bullying-the-cost-of-telling?r=2lilgm&utm_medium=ios

Content note: The article discusses online bullying, abuse and trauma.

The focus remains a National Endometriosis Inquiry. Please sign and share the existing petition. Every signature helps demonstrate support for that call.

We can respect each other’s boundaries and still work towards accountability for patients.