The Story
Olanna
A culturally grounded women's health platform rooted in lived experience
Olanna was created from a deeply personal place.
As a Black woman in my twenties, I spent years navigating symptoms that did not have clear answers. I was eventually diagnosed with PCOS and endometriosis in my mid-twenties, after a long process filled with uncertainty, repeated consultations, and information that often felt disconnected from my lived reality. Even with access to healthcare and education, I struggled to find resources that reflected the experiences of Black African women.
My late mother, a brilliant health science professional, was a major influence in shaping how I understand women's health. Through her example, I learned that knowledge is a powerful form of care. Yet even in a scientifically minded household, I saw the complexities and challenges of women's health, and how often Black women's symptoms go unheard, misinterpreted, or unexplained.
Olanna was born from this gap: the gap between medical knowledge and lived experience, between access and understanding, and between what exists and what women, especially Black African women, truly need.
"Olanna is built on the belief that women deserve clear, contextualised, evidence-based information. It is intentionally rooted in the realities of African women, because our stories, symptoms, and experiences matter."
While our platform centres us, it remains accessible and valuable to women everywhere who seek clarity and confidence in navigating their reproductive health.
Olanna reflects my experience as a Black woman, my mother's legacy, and a broader vision for a future where women's health information is inclusive, relevant, and empowering.
Founder's Note
A Letter from Nongcebo
Olanna is both my personal journey and my professional commitment. I know what it feels like to search for answers, to sit with uncertainty, and to feel that your body is not being fully understood. I also know the power of clear information, compassionate language, and culturally grounded care.
Olanna is my way of turning lived experience into something useful for other women. It is a space where you are believed, where your questions are valid, and where your health is treated as something worth understanding deeply.
If you see yourself in this story, you are in the right place.
Our Position
How We Position Olanna
Olanna is a culturally grounded women's health platform that delivers evidence-based, accessible reproductive health information with a focus on the experiences of Black African women. While our work centres an underserved population, our content supports women globally who seek clear, contextualised health education.
Health inequities affecting Black and African women
Gaps in contextualised reproductive health information
Barriers to early diagnosis for conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis
The need for culturally relevant women's health communication
Olanna combines lived experience, scientific insight, and thoughtful communication to support better health outcomes and equitable access to information.
Our Audience
Who Is Olanna For?
Olanna centres the experiences of Black African women, whose health journeys are often underrepresented in research and mainstream health communication. While this is our foundation, our evidence-based content is designed to support women of all backgrounds who want accessible and contextualised reproductive health information.
Why focus on Black African women?
Health equity requires intention. Black African women experience delayed diagnoses, different symptom patterns, and structural barriers to care. Addressing these disparities is not exclusionary, it is essential.
Does Olanna welcome a diverse audience?
Yes. Our resources are relevant to a global audience. We welcome anyone seeking trustworthy, well-explained women's health information. Our focus ensures that those who have historically been left out of the conversation are finally centred and represented.
Is Olanna partner-friendly?
Yes. We collaborate with organisations committed to advancing women's health, health equity, and culturally contextualised digital health solutions. Our identity-driven approach strengthens our impact and aligns with global gender and health equity priorities.