Webinar

Driving change: advancing justice and equity for women in health and care

Join the Health and Care Women Leaders Network’s International Women's Day 2026 webinar on Friday 6 March.
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General information

Time
6 March 2026 10:00 - 12:16 GMT
Audience
Open to all

The Health and Care Women Leaders Network’s International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 webinar will bring together experts and leaders in gender equality to explore rights, justice and advocacy for women and girls in health and care. This event will equip you with skills and knowledge to take meaningful action in your organisation and drive systemic change in the sector. 

Join the Health and Care Women Leaders Network's IWD webinar on Friday 6 March, from 10am to 12pm, held on Zoom.

IWD takes place each year on 8 March. It is an opportunity to highlight the achievements of women and girls, raise awareness of the challenges they face and advocate for gender equality. It serves as a platform to unite voices, foster meaningful discussions and inspire action toward creating a more equitable world for women. 

This year's theme, Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, established by UN Women, the lead UN entity on gender equality and the secretariat of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, calls for actions to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that all women and girls can fully access their rights. It emphasises the need for equitable justice systems that empower women to uphold their rights and foster a society where gender equality becomes a reality.

Women working in health and care often face significant disparities and limited career development opportunities, which contribute to underrepresentation in leadership and perpetuate systemic barriers to justice and equity in the sector. This event will explore ongoing efforts to advance gender equity and provide practical tools for achieving justice for women and girls in health and care. 

On the day, you will hear from keynote speakers, participate in panel sessions and explore the challenges faced by women and girls in health and care. The event will promote intersectional perspectives and highlight initiatives focused on women's rights and advocacy strategies. This event underscores the urgent need for justice and aims to inspire you to take action toward meaningful change in your organisation. 

Why attend  

Register your place for the opportunity to:  

  • Be inspired by leading experts sharing their experiences and insights. 
  • Enhance your knowledge and skills in women's rights and advocacy. 
  • Understand current challenges and recent developments affecting women and girls in health and care. 
  • Identify actions you can take to advocate for justice and drive systemic change towards gender equity in your organisation. 
  • Learn about the future of women's health and the NHS's plans to create lasting change.
  • Connect with delegates and organisations committed to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in health and care. 

Who should attend  

This event is open to anyone working in health and care interested in enhancing gender equity within their organisation - everyone is welcome! 

Book your free place and encourage your colleagues and others to join us too. 

Programme
  • The event host will begin with an introduction highlighting the importance of commemorating IWD. 

  • Our keynote speaker will highlight this year's theme and its importance for women and girls in health and care.

  • Panel session 
    Explore women's health rights and the essential role of advocacy with leading experts in healthcare policy. They will discuss current challenges across the sector and provide effective strategies and practical tools for exercising your rights and promoting gender equity in your organisation. 

  • Panel session 
    Gain insights into the inequities women and girls face in health and care, particularly in marginalised communities, through key data and personal stories from guest speakers. The session will focus on practical solutions and initiatives to empower you to take action. 

  • Fireside chat   
    Hear from NHS leaders sharing insights on the Women’s Health Strategy within the 10-year plan and current NHS reforms, along with their potential impact on women in the workforce and the future of health and care. Gather inspiration to drive innovation in your organisation. 

  • An opportunity to have your questions answered by our guest speakers following the event. 

  • The event host will share their key reflections and insights from the event. 

Speaker details coming soon.

Get involved 

Email women.leaders@nhsconfed.org to share how your organisation is honouring IWD 2026 and any initiatives you are supporting for promotion across network channels. 

Health and Care Women Leaders Network 

Delivered by the NHS Confederation, the Health and Care Women Leaders Network is a free network for all women working across health and care.  Find out more and join the Health and Care Women Leaders network. For the latest updates, follow the network on LinkedIn