There is an increasing recognition that investing in women’s health is both a moral and an economic imperative.

Women represent half of the global population and are often the primary healthcare decision-makers for their families.

Yet, historically, women’s health has been underfunded and underserved in clinical research and healthcare policies.

This has created gaps in access to care and a lack of representation of women’s health needs in medical advancements.

For the past six years, the Women’s Health Innovation Series has been a leading force in advancing women’s health.

Now, as part of its ongoing mission to increase access and accelerate innovations for the health of women, the series has undergone a transformative rebrand – expanding its scope to offer a more comprehensive, integrated approach to the diverse and complex landscape of women’s health.

By integrating their previous FemTech and Reproductive Health events under one dynamic umbrella, WHIS is reimagining how the industry engages and tackles the most critical conversations and challenges faced in women’s healthcare.

This rebrand signals a shift towards a more holistic approach—one that seeks to address systemic barriers in healthcare delivery, policy, and technology.

The Need for a Holistic Approach to Women’s Health

Historically, women’s health has been viewed primarily through the lens of reproductive and maternal health.

However, today’s healthcare landscape recognises that women face unique health challenges that require a comprehensive approach, one that encompasses physical, emotional, and mental well-being throughout the lifespan.

This holistic approach is at the core of WHIS 2025, with the event emphasising the importance of shifting the focus from isolated health conditions to integrated, patient-centred care.

As women live longer, there is an increasing need to address ageing-related conditions, such as osteoporosis, dementia, and cardiovascular diseases—conditions that affect women differently than men.

Chronic conditions like heart disease, for example, have long been studied from a male-centric perspective but require a more nuanced understanding when it comes to women’s health.

Medtronic’s President of Heart, Nina Goodheart will delve into how existing medical interventions are supporting the health of women against cardiovascular disease.

She will focus on advancements in treatment options, the critical role of early detection, personalised care, and preventative strategies.

By taking a holistic view of women’s health, healthcare systems can ensure that women receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive at every stage of life.

Reducing Barriers to Access

A holistic approach also means tackling the significant barriers women face when trying to access care.

Many women experience additional challenges such as caregiving responsibilities, financial constraints, and inadequate insurance coverage, which contribute to delayed diagnoses, poorer health outcomes, and increased strain on women, particularly in underserved communities.

To address these inequities, there is a growing recognition that a shift toward value-based care is essential.

Unlike the traditional fee-for-service models, which prioritise the volume of services provided, value-based care emphasises the importance of improving patient outcomes.

Dianne Balon, SVP of Government at Blue Cross Alberta, will discuss the importance of conveying the value of preventative care and interventions to payers.

By demonstrating the long-term benefits of investing in women’s health—through improved outcomes and reduced long-term costs—healthcare providers can make a compelling case to insurers for broader access to women’s health services.

Fertility and Maternal Health

Fertility and maternal health continue to be major areas of concern, particularly in the U.S., where access to fertility treatments remains difficult for many due to high costs, limited insurance coverage, and geographical barriers.

These systemic issues prevent many women and families from accessing the reproductive care they need, creating significant disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Neel Shah, Chief Medical Officer at Maven Clinic, will dive into the complexities of the U.S. fertility landscape.

He will address the financial and policy barriers that prevent equitable access to IVF and other fertility treatments, discussing innovative solutions, such as expanding fertility benefits through employer-sponsored insurance, telemedicine, and other models that could help democratize access to fertility services.

Additionally, a woman’s journey to motherhood is far from linear, and providing comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period is essential.

This holistic approach includes addressing mental health challenges like postpartum depression and providing access to services such as prenatal education, lactation support, and childcare. 

However, traditional reimbursement models often fail to support the long-term, continuous care needed to address the full spectrum of maternal health needs.

As a result, many women are left without the comprehensive support they need during these critical life stages.

Empowering Women Through Data and Technology

As women’s health continues to evolve, the role of consumer and digital health technologies is becoming increasingly important in shaping the future of care.

Wearables, connected health devices, and consumer-driven health solutions are providing women with more control over their well-being, empowering them to monitor a wide range of health metrics.

Dorothy Kilroy, Chief Commercial Officer at OURA will explore the transformative potential of wearable technologies and connected health devices in empowering women to take charge of their health. his empowerment also extends to how women engage with healthcare providers.

By sharing real-time data with clinicians, women can benefit from more personalised care plans, early detection of health issues, and targeted preventative measures.

WHIS 2025 is rethinking how women’s health is perceived and addressed – shifting from a fragmented, isolated approach to one that prioritises holistic, integrated care throughout a women’s lifespan. 

By bringing together leaders from across the entire healthcare continuum, the WHIS 2025 will catalyse critical conversations and actions to reshape the healthcare system’s approach to the unique challenges women face. 

Registration for WHIS 2025 is now open and you can benefit from an exclusive discount on top of their lowest ticket price (book before May 9).

Use code FTW10 for an additional 10% off.

Register Here.