For decades, women’s health discussions have largely focused on reproduction, pregnancy and motherhood. But health experts are increasingly calling for a broader approach that recognises the diverse challenges women face throughout their lives.
These issues will be in sharp focus at the inaugural Women’s Health Matters Conference 2026, which takes place at GIBS Business School in Johannesburg on Thursday, 3 September.
Sponsored by Discovery Health and supported by the SPAR Group, the conference will bring together healthcare professionals, academics, business leaders, government representatives and civil society organisations to explore how South Africa can better support women’s health from adolescence through to later life.
Taking a life-course approach
The conference is built around the principle that women’s health should be addressed throughout every stage of life, rather than only when illness or crisis strikes.
Opening the programme will be Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Health, who will present on Women’s Health Through the Life Course.
Discussions throughout the day will focus on prevention, early intervention, equitable healthcare access and the role of data-driven healthcare in improving outcomes for women.
However, organisers say some of the most significant conversations will highlight health issues that have historically been overlooked, misunderstood or dismissed.
Tackling the reality of period poverty
One of the key topics on the agenda is period poverty, which continues to affect thousands of girls and women who struggle to access menstrual products consistently.
The impact extends far beyond hygiene needs. Limited access to sanitary products can affect school attendance, workplace participation, confidence, dignity and overall wellbeing.
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SPAR Group’s National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager, Mpudi Maubane, will lead a session titled Period Poverty: Dignity Should Not Depend on Income.
A follow-up discussion, From Products to Policy: What It Will Take to End Period Poverty, will examine how government, business leaders, schools and communities can collaborate to create sustainable solutions.
Speakers are expected to emphasise that addressing period poverty requires more than simply providing menstrual products. Education, improved sanitation, affordability and breaking social stigma around menstruation are all critical components of meaningful change.
Closing the endometriosis diagnosis gap
Another important focus area will be endometriosis, a condition that affects millions of women worldwide but often remains undiagnosed for years.
Women living with the condition frequently experience severe pain that can disrupt daily life, work and education. Yet many struggle to receive timely diagnoses or effective treatment.
Conference discussions will explore the consequences of delayed diagnosis on fertility, treatment outcomes and professional lives, while challenging long-standing attitudes that normalise women’s pain.
Participants are expected to highlight the importance of recognising persistent pain as a serious health concern rather than something women should simply learn to endure.
Creating menopause-friendly workplaces
The event will also address the growing conversation around menopause in the workplace.
Symptoms associated with menopause can significantly affect sleep, concentration, mood and productivity. Despite this, many organisations still lack policies or support mechanisms for employees experiencing these changes.
The Menopause-Ready Workplace discussion will explore practical interventions, healthcare benefits, manager education and workplace support systems designed to help women navigate this stage of life.
Experts argue that greater understanding and accommodation can have a significant impact on employee wellbeing and career progression.
Improving women’s cancer care
Cancer care will form another major pillar of the conference programme, with conversations focusing on preventive screening, early detection, treatment access and survivorship.
Stakeholders will examine how healthcare providers, medical schemes, employers and policymakers can work together to improve cancer outcomes for women.
The discussion comes amid increasing recognition that early diagnosis and comprehensive support systems remain critical to reducing mortality rates and improving quality of life.
Health consequences of gender-based violence
Among the most sensitive and urgent topics on the agenda will be gender-based violence (GBV) and its impact on women’s health.
While GBV is often discussed as a criminal justice issue, healthcare experts stress that it is also a major public health crisis.
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Survivors can face long-term physical injuries, trauma, anxiety, depression and a range of psychological and emotional challenges that require ongoing support.
Conference participants will examine the need for survivor-centred healthcare services, stronger support structures and prevention strategies that treat GBV as a critical women’s health issue rather than solely a social problem.
From conversation to action
The conference will feature a range of prominent experts and advocates, including clinical psychologist Dr Colinda Linde, obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Sumayya Ebrahim, menstrual health activist Candice Chirwa, reproductive medicine specialist Professor Zozo Nene, menopause researcher Dr Nicole Jaff, Tiko Co-CEO Benoit Renard and Discovery Health’s Dr Kagiso Seripe.
The final session, From Awareness to Action, will focus on translating discussion into practical commitments from healthcare providers, employers, policymakers and communities.
Ultimately, organisers hope the conference will reinforce a simple but powerful message: women need healthcare systems that listen, workplaces that adapt to their evolving needs, affordable access to quality healthcare and policies that recognise the realities of women’s lives at every stage.
- The Women’s Health Matters Conference 2026 will take place on 3 September at GIBS Business School in Johannesburg, sponsored by Discovery Health and supported by the SPAR Group.
- The conference will focus on a life-course approach to women's health, addressing issues from adolescence through later life, including prevention, early intervention, and equitable healthcare access.
- Key topics include period poverty, endometriosis diagnosis delays, menopause support in workplaces, women's cancer care, and the health consequences of gender-based violence.
- Sessions will involve experts such as Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Mpudi Maubane, Dr Colinda Linde, Dr Sumayya Ebrahim, Candice Chirwa, Professor Zozo Nene, Dr Nicole Jaff, Benoit Renard, and Dr Kagiso Seripe.
- The conference aims to foster practical commitments from healthcare providers, employers, policymakers, and communities to improve healthcare systems and policies for women.
For decades, women’s health discussions have largely focused on reproduction, pregnancy and motherhood. But health experts are increasingly calling for a broader approach that recognises the diverse challenges women face throughout their lives.
Sponsored by Discovery
Discussions throughout the day will focus on prevention, early intervention, equitable healthcare access and the role of data-driven healthcare in improving outcomes for women.
However, organisers say some of the most significant conversations will highlight health issues that have historically been overlooked, misunderstood or dismissed.
One of the key topics on the agenda is period poverty, which continues to affect thousands of girls and women who struggle to access menstrual products consistently.
Also Read: From barefoot to high-tech: How Chinese doctors shaped a healthier nation
SPAR Group’s National PR, Communications and
A follow-up discussion, From Products to Policy: What It Will Take to
Speakers are expected to emphasise that addressing period poverty requires more than simply providing menstrual products. Education, improved sanitation, affordability and breaking social stigma around menstruation are all critical components of meaningful change.
Women living with the condition frequently experience severe pain that can disrupt daily life, work and education. Yet many struggle to receive timely diagnoses or effective treatment.
Conference discussions will explore the consequences of delayed diagnosis on fertility, treatment outcomes and professional lives, while challenging long-standing attitudes that normalise women’s pain.
Participants are expected to highlight the importance of recognising persistent pain as a serious health concern rather than something women should simply learn to endure.
Symptoms associated with menopause can significantly affect sleep, concentration, mood and productivity. Despite this, many organisations still lack policies or support mechanisms for employees experiencing these changes.
Experts argue that greater understanding and accommodation can have a significant impact on employee wellbeing and career progression.
Cancer care will form another major pillar of the conference programme, with conversations focusing on preventive screening, early detection, treatment access and survivorship.
Stakeholders will examine how healthcare providers, medical schemes, employers and policymakers can work together to improve cancer outcomes for women.
While GBV is often discussed as a criminal justice issue, healthcare experts stress that it is also a major public health crisis.
Also Read:
Survivors can face long-term physical injuries, trauma, anxiety, depression and a range of psychological and emotional challenges that require ongoing support.
Conference participants will examine the need for survivor-centred healthcare services, stronger support structures and prevention strategies that treat GBV as a critical women’s health issue rather than solely a social problem.
Ultimately, organisers hope the conference will reinforce a simple but powerful message: women need healthcare systems that , workplaces that adapt to their evolving needs, affordable access to quality healthcare and policies that recognise the realities of women’s lives at every stage.
