Webinar Highlights Women’s Health Equity Strategies for International Women’s Day 2026
The upcoming webinar titled “Women’s Health Equity Strategies” aims to address critical issues surrounding women’s health on International Women’s Day. Scheduled for March 9, 2026, the event highlights the pressing need to dismantle barriers to health equity for women, especially older women. The initiative is organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and will be conducted in Spanish via Zoom.
International Women’s Day 2026: Focus on Health Equity
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, 2026, promotes the theme “Rights. Justice. Action.” This campaign calls for concerted efforts to eliminate the obstacles that hinder justice and health equity for women and girls across the Americas.
Demographic Challenges in Women’s Health
The Americas are experiencing a demographic shift, characterized by an aging population. Women tend to live longer than men; however, they often face poorer health conditions during their extended lifespan. Research indicates that women spend approximately 25% more of their lives dealing with health issues, largely due to chronic diseases and functional limitations.
The Unmet Needs of Aging Women
Current health policies predominantly focus on women during their reproductive years, leaving significant gaps in addressing the needs of midlife and older women. These gaps are particularly critical during phases such as perimenopause and menopause, which can last over a decade and have lasting effects on women’s health. Globally, over 450 million women experience such health transitions.
- Unmet menopausal symptoms can lead to increased risks of:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Neurological disorders (including depression and dementia)
- Osteoporosis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gynecological conditions
Economic and Health Implications
The impact of these health issues is extensive, with an estimated loss of 2.4 million disability-adjusted life years and an annual economic burden exceeding USD 120 billion. These statistics underline the urgent need to prioritize women’s health beyond childbearing years.
Empowering Women Through Education and Support
While aging involves deep social and cultural dimensions, stigma and lack of awareness can hinder women’s adaptation to these transitions. Enhancing education and building supportive environments are essential steps to empower women. Strengthening community support can significantly improve women’s long-term health outcomes and overall quality of life.
Webinar Participation Details
The “Women’s Health Equity Strategies” webinar promises a comprehensive agenda featuring prominent speakers and leaders focused on health equity for older women. Below are the details:
- Date: March 9, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM ET
- Language: Spanish
- Platform: Zoom (registration required)
Webinar Agenda Highlights
- Welcome remarks by Mercedes García Escalante, PAHO youth network representative
- Insights from women with lived experiences from diverse communities
- Discussion on unmet health needs and structural barriers by experts including Suzanne Serruya from PAHO
- Commentary on women’s leadership in addressing these issues by Dina González Alfaro, Mayor of Calle Larga, Chile
- Closing remarks by Alejandra Mora Mora from the Inter-American Commission of Women
Conclusion
Addressing women’s health and well-being, particularly for those in midlife and older age, is vital for promoting gender equality and health equity. The webinar serves as a platform to elevate these issues, ensuring that no woman is left behind in her health journey. By confronting systemic challenges, the aim is to foster healthier aging and more resilient communities across the Region.
