Zagreb, October 9, 2026 I Hotel Westin, Zagreb

Women in Healthcare Forum

Women Who Heal & Lead
For Healthcare’s Changemakers
AGENDA
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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 58% 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?

* Women in healthcare leadership

** Advancing women in healthcare leadership

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 Conversation

Between Career, Family and Responsibility

When two demanding careers and a shared life intertwine

A personal conversation about professional dedication, mutual support and balancing careers, family and the responsibilities that come with a life in healthcare. With a special focus on research and the position of women in oncology and healthcare.

 

SESSION 1. THE SYSTEM AND PREJUDICES 

 

11:30–12:00

Panel discussion

The Women Who Keep The Healthcare System Running 

What do women need in order to advance, lead and remain in the system?

A conversation about the real position of women in healthcare - professional development, career advancement and leadership, work-life balance, and the role of institutions in creating a system that enables women to develop their careers.

12:00–12:10

Expert Talk

The Invisible Burden of Women in Healthcare 

Between professional calling and women's health

 

12:10–12:40

Panel discussion

They Care for Everyone - But Who Cares for Them? 

The health of women working in healthcare

How well do women who care for others every day take care of their own health? A conversation about women’s health and health concerns that are still too often downplayed or overlooked, and the need for better recognition and a more serious approach to these issues. With a particular focus on the role of healthcare professionals, institutions, and employers in creating a system that better supports the women who care for others.

12:40–13:00

Break & Networking

 

SESSION 2. WOMEN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL AND HEALTHCARE INDUSTRIES

14:00–14:10

Fireside Chat 

A New Generation of Women Leaders 

Careers and the challenges of leadership

A conversation about the path to leadership positions, the responsibility they carry, and what organizations can do to ensure that talent, knowledge and ability - rather than gender - determine who reaches the positions where decisions are made.

13:30–14:10

game changers 

Women Pushing Boundaries

No presentations, no filters - just personal experiences

Personal stories from women across healthcare and industry about the decisions, turning points and experiences that shaped their careers - and about ambition, risk, responsibility and new professional and entrepreneurial models.

 

14:10–14:20

Awards Ceremony: “Medical Women Impact Award”

A formal award ceremony honoring women whose professional work has made a significant impact on healthcare and society.

14:20–15:00

Lunch & Networking 

Single Award "Women in Healthcare 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.

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).

Join us to accelerate transformation in healthcare

Single
€300

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 (keynote, panel, showcase)

PR and digital reach through our
official channels

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