The inaugural Women’s Health Matters Conference 2026, sponsored by Discovery Health, will take place on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at GIBS Business School in Johannesburg. Supported by Spar Group, the event will bring together leaders from healthcare, business, academia and civil society to tackle some of the most pressing health issues facing women in South Africa today.
Across a full-day programme, delegates will explore women’s health at every stage of life, from reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth to menopause, cancer prevention and mental wellbeing. Discussions will also shine a spotlight on critically important issues that continue to receive insufficient attention, including period poverty, endometriosis and the health impact of gender-based violence.
Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Health and headline sponsor of the conference, will open the programme with an address on Women’s Health Through the Life Course. Her presentation will highlight the importance of data-driven insights, prevention, early intervention and equitable access to care in improving health outcomes for women across their lifespan.
“Supporting women’s health requires a life-course approach. Improved outcomes are achieved through a strong focus on health promotion, disease prevention, early intervention, and timely access to appropriate care. It also demands a coordinated response from healthcare systems, employers, and communities that reflects the changing needs and challenges women experience throughout their lives. Discovery is proud to support a platform that unites these stakeholders around meaningful, action-oriented solutions,” says Dr Nematswerani.
The conference programme will move beyond awareness and explore the practical actions required to transform healthcare systems, workplaces, communities, and public policy in support of women’s health.
Key conference discussions will include:
Women’s Health Across the Life Course Exploring prevention, early intervention and access to care across reproductive health, maternity care, cancer, mental health and midlife health.
Pregnancy and Birth in South Africa Addressing high-risk pregnancies, preventable complications, informed decision-making and respectful maternity care.
Period Poverty and Access to Dignity Examining the affordability of menstrual products, menstrual health education, stigma, and the role of schools, workplaces, government and public-private partnerships in improving access.
The Endometriosis Diagnosis Gap Exploring the impact of delayed diagnosis on chronic pain, fertility, treatment outcomes and women’s participation in the workplace.
The Menopause-Ready Workplace Focusing on manager education, employee support, healthcare benefits and practical workplace interventions to better support women during menopause.
Closing the Women’s Cancer Care Gap Covering screening, early diagnosis, treatment access, survivorship and the role of employers and healthcare funders in improving outcomes.
GBV Is a Women’s Health Crisis Examining the physical and mental health consequences of gender-based violence, and the importance of survivor-centred healthcare, support services and prevention strategies.
SPAR will place a special focus on period poverty through a session led by Mpudi Maubane, National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager at SPAR, titled “Period Poverty: Dignity Should Not Depend on Income.”
“Period poverty extends far beyond access to menstrual products. When girls and women are unable to manage menstruation safely and with dignity, it affects school attendance, workplace participation, confidence and future opportunities. Addressing this challenge requires solutions that combine access, education and sustained partnerships to ensure that menstruation never becomes a barrier to full participation in society,” says Maubane.
The discussion will continue in a panel session titled “From Products to Policy: What It Will Take to End Period Poverty,” which will explore how business, government, educational institutions and community organisations can collaborate to develop sustainable, long-term solutions.
The programme features contributions from leading experts and advocates in women’s health, including clinical psychologist and founder the CBT group Dr Colinda Linde, obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Sumayya Ebrahim, menstrual health activist Candice Chirwa, reproductive medicine specialist Prof Zozo Nene, menopause researcher and practitioner Dr Nicole Jaff, Co-CEO Tiko Benoit Renard, and head of oncology risk management and care coordination, discovery health Dr Kagiso Seripe.
The Women’s Health Matters Conference is expected to bring together between 200 and 250 stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, medical schemes and insurers, corporate and HR leaders, government representatives, NGOs, academics, researchers, workplace wellbeing practitioners and women leaders.
The conference will conclude with a forward-looking session, “From Awareness to Action,” focused on identifying practical commitments and collaborative actions that healthcare providers, employers, policymakers and communities can take forward beyond the event to create meaningful and lasting change in women’s health.
Event Details
Event: Women’s Health Matters Conference 2026 Date: Thursday, 3 September 2026 Registration: 08:30 Conference: 09:00 – 17:00 Venue: GIBS Business School, Johannesburg Headline Sponsor: Discovery Health
Discovery Health’s registered wellness providers will be on-site from 08:00 to 19:00, offering a complimentary Wellness Health Screening Experience for all attending delegates and guests. This includes glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI checks. Conference delegates will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into their health and wellness throughout the day.
To buy tickets please email James@creativespacemedia.co.za
