Zagreb, October 9, 2026 I Hotel Westin, Zagreb

Women in Healthcare Forum

Women Who Heal & Lead
For Healthcare’s Changemakers

Be part of the transformation

The Women in Healthcare Forum is a leading event dedicated to advancing women in healthcare and shaping the future of the industry.

Why does this Forum matter?

This is not just another conference. The Women in Healthcare Forum is a platform where women in healthcare - physicians, nurses, midwives, healthcare professionals, managers, scientists, pharmacists and entrepreneurs - connect, exchange experiences with relevant partners and jointly reflect on the future of the system.

Constructive dialogue with men is a key part of this process. A better healthcare system can only be built together, which is why the Forum is also open to men who wish to have an active role in driving change.

Facts

Women make up more than 70% of the workforce, both at the global and EU level and in Croatia, and around 52% of all graduates in medicine and health sciences*.
BUT
Women hold only 25% of leadership roles in healthcare worldwide**.
If they run the system, why not lead it too?Are we ready to make a change?

Our objectives

Open doors to decision-making.

Ensure that the expertise of women in healthcare is present where priorities are set, strategic decisions are made, and key partnerships are forged.

Connect and empower.

Enable purposeful networking with leading companies, institutions and experts, together with mentoring support that accelerates professional growth and leadership development.

Remove barriers.

Identify and dismantle stereotypes and structural obstacles, positioning women’s leadership as a clearly recognized strategic advantage for organizations and the healthcare system.

Why attend?

Connect with leaders in healthcare.

Meet key decision-makers from hospitals, industry, public institutions and the private sector, and open doors to collaboration, mentorship and new projects.

Learn together.

Hear candid stories from women leaders who have faced challenges, delivered results and are transforming the system – and turn their experience into your own strategy.

Take a step forward for your career and organization.

Leave with new ideas, practical tools and a professional network that supports your next move – whether you are a specialist, manager or entrepreneur.

Participants and speakers

Leaders of hospitals, clinics and polyclinics, public health institutions, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and health tech start-ups.

Experts in medicine and science, healthcare professionals and key stakeholders across the healthcare system.

Representatives of ministries, public health agencies and public health institutions.

Representatives of professional associations and patient organisations.
Professionals who wish to expand their impact, networks and scope of responsibility.

Change-makers committed to high-quality leadership, innovation and the advancement of the healthcare system.

Agenda

10:30–11:00

Registration

11:00–11:10

Opening Ceremony

Welcome remarks by the organizers and partners

11:10–11:30

Opening Interview

Between Career, Family and Responsibility

Women in Healthcare: A Profession That Doesn’t End When the Shift Does

11:30–12:00

Panel discussion

The Women Behind the Healthcare System

Women in Healthcare: Challenges and System Realities

What do the statistics say about the position of women in the healthcare system — from employment and career advancement to everyday workplace challenges? We discuss professional development, working conditions, and work-life balance for women who carry significant professional and family responsibilities. Special focus is placed on mentorship, collaboration, and the role of institutions in creating a more sustainable and inclusive healthcare system. How can a better balance be achieved between work, emotional burden, and private life, and should more women hold leadership positions within the system??

12:00–12:10

Keynote

“Women Who Care for Everyone, but Who Cares for Them?”

12:10–12:40

Panel discussion

A System That Encourages: Developing the Profession, Careers and Personal Branding in Healthcare

A System That Understands Women in Healthcare

How systematic support within institutions and collaboration, work organization (including shift work) and the impact on family life shape the careers of nurses, midwives, pharmacists, non-medical and other staff. The goal is to understand how institutions can create environments that foster understanding and support.

12:40–13:00

Break & Networking

13:00–13:30

Inspirational Stories

“Game Changers” – Inspirational Stories of Professional Journeys, Turning Points and Personal Motivations

Honest and personal stories of women from different parts of the healthcare system, sharing key moments, decisions, and turning points that have shaped both their professional and personal journeys. Board presidents, physicians, directors, nurses, and midwives come together to speak. No presentations, no filters, just personal stories, lived experiences, emotions, and concrete turning points.

13:30–14:00

Panel discussion

Women Shaping the Future of the Pharmaceutical Industry and Healthcare

How women today are transforming the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries — from research and development to access to therapies, innovation, and patient care.

14:00–14:10

Keynote

From Idea to Private Clinic: Women Shaping the Face of Healthcare Entrepreneurship

14:10–14:30

Panel discussion

Women and Private Entrepreneurship in Healthcare

Women Building Their Own Path in Healthcare

We present the career challenges of women who are establishing their own clinics and pharmacies. The discussion focuses on entrepreneurship in the healthcare industry, regulatory and financial challenges, as well as building brand identity and patient trust, alongside examples of collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry, banks, and insurance providers.

 

14:30–15:00

Closing Plenary: Co-creating the Action Agenda

Awards Ceremony: “Medical Women Impact Award”

15:00–18:30

Lunch, Networking & Party

Single Award "Medical Women Impact Award"

Recognizing, rewarding, and encouraging women who are changing healthcare.
Women in Healthcare Forum gives away this award to celebrate leadership, innovation and advocacy that improve patient outcomes, equity, workforce culture and system performance.

Who’s eligible

Women working in or with healthcare (clinicians, managers, entrepreneurs, educators, policy/public-health leaders).

Requirement

Demonstrable, measurable impact in the last 12 months.

Note: Jury members are not eligible to apply.

Categories

One award recognizes overall contribution to the healthcare system and industry.

Evaluation criteria (simplified)

Impact — 50% (proven, measurable results and reach)
Innovation — 25% (novel approaches/solutions)
Leadership & Inclusion — 25% (team leadership; advancing equity and inclusion)

Jury (3 members)

Independent three-member jury from diverse sectors (e.g., clinical, academic/science, industry). Conflicts of interest are disclosed; recusal as required.

Winner benefits

On-stage recognition at the Women in Healthcare Forum.

Key dates

Nominations open: June 1, 2026
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Ceremony: at the Forum 

How to nominate 

Please send the following to the email address info@paradigma.biz:

  • Candidate details (full name, institution/organization/company/association)
  • Description of contribution (up to 400 words)
  • Up to three supporting documents/links (publications, projects, metrics)
  • One recommendation (contact information)

Join us to accelerate transformation in healthcare

Single - Early Bird 
 (until 31/07)
€250
Single - Late Bird
(from 01/08)
€300
Special Offer - 1+1
(two passes):
(from 31/07)
€400
(€200 per person)

Payment & invoicing

Credit/debit card or bank transfer. VAT [excluded]. Pro-forma invoice available.
For invoices, please contact us via email: info@paradigma.biz

Sponsorships & Partnerships

Connect your brand with key stakeholders across the healthcare system.

Contact us via email:
info@paradigma.biz

What you gain?

Standout visibility before, during, and after the conference

Direct access to decision-makers and specialist audiences

Tailored brand activations (panel, workshop, showcase)

PR and digital reach through our
official channels

ORGANIZER:
Paradigma Agency
Contact: 01/4400 492
info@paradigma.biz