6 March 2026

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 play 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**.
We run the system, why not the lead. Are we ready to be the change makers?

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

The Position of Women in Healthcare – Challenges and Opportunities

11:30–12:00

Panel discussion

Pride and Prejudice: Women’s Leadership in Healthcare

What do statistics say about gender equality in employment, promotion and compensation? A discussion on key challenges, career paths, opportunities for professional growth and solutions on the way to leadership positions, with examples of good practice. Topics include skills development and strategic thinking, the role of mentoring and the importance of structured institutional support, as well as the role of institutions, industry, public policy and partnerships in creating a new generation of female leaders.

12:00–12:10

Keynote

“From Idea to Polyclinic: Why We Need More Women in Healthcare Entrepreneurship”

12:10–12:40

Panel discussion

Women and Private Entrepreneurship in Healthcare: From Expert to Leader

Showcasing the career challenges faced by women who are starting their own polyclinics, pharmacies and digital health solutions. The discussion will cover entrepreneurship in the healthcare industry, regulatory and financial challenges, and building a brand and patient trust, with examples of collaboration with industry, banks and insurers.

12:40–13:20

Break & Networking

13:20–13:30

Keynote

I Am a Nurse: My Story – The Power of Vocation in Everyday Challenges

13:30–14:00

Panel discussion

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

14:00–15:00

Lunch & Networking

15:00–15:30

Inspirational Stories

“Game Changers” – Inspirational stories of professional journeys, turning points and personal motivations

From expert to leader – what it takes to create change. CEOs, physicians, executives, nurses and midwives. No slides, no filters – just personal stories and experiences, emotion and concrete turning points.

15:30–15:40

Keynote

“Clinical Trials: How to Systematically Include the Female Perspective?”

15:40–16:10

Panel discussion

Women’s Health in Focus – From Clinical Trials to Equal Diagnostic and Therapeutic Standards

Should we introduce a model of “average women” along with the model of the “average man”? Differences in diagnostics, treatment, clinical trials and outcomes. Why is it important to include the female perspective into the design of clinical trials, which have traditionally been based on male populations. *

* EU Manifesto for Women’s Health 2024
** Closing the Women’s Health Gap / World Economic Forum

16:10–16:20

Keynote

“AI in Healthcare – Women, Men and Algorithms”

16:20–16:50

 

Panel discussion

Artificial vs. Female Intelligence in Healthcare – Empowered or Replaced?

How AI is transforming everyday work in hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and public health institutions – from administration and diagnostics to team organization. Does AI create opportunities for more efficient work, or does it introduce new challenges, risks and dilemmas for healthcare professionals?

16:50–17:10

Closing Plenary: Co-creating the Action Agenda

Awards Ceremony: “Medical Women Impact Award”

17:30–20:00

Networking & Drinks

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.

Single Award: Women’s Contribution in Healthcare

Who’s eligible

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

Requirement

Demonstrable, measurable impact in the last 24 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, media profile, speaking opportunity, and an award package.

Key dates

Nominations open: TBA
Deadline: TBA
Shortlist: TBA
Ceremony: at the Forum (TBA)

How to nominate (simplified)

Online form (TBA) including:

  • Nominee and nominator details
  • Contribution summary (up to 200 words)
  • Up to three evidence links (publications, projects, metrics)
  • Impact statement (up to 300 words)
  • One reference (contact)

Join us to accelerate transformation in healthcare

Registration & Fees

Get 1+1 for €400

Single - Early Bird 
 (until DD/MM)
€250
Single - Late Bird
(from DD/MM)
€300
Special Offer - 1+1
(two passes):
(from DD/MM)
€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.

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

Powering the women who power healthcare!

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