International Women's Day 2026. Webinar 'Equity Driven and Rights Based Public Health and Social Protection Strategies: Implications for Women’s Healthy Aging'

Context

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 under the theme Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls. This slogan issues a call to action to dismantle all barriers that hinder equality in access to justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful social practices and norms that erode the rights of women and girls. The Region of the Americas is undergoing a rapid demographic transition marked by population aging and the feminization of older age. Women live longer than men but experience poorer health across a larger portion of their lives, spending an estimated 25% more of their lifespan in poor health. This disparity reflects higher levels of chronic disease and functional dependence, compounded by structural inequities such as limited access to social protection and pensions, persistent gaps in education and employment, and the unequal distribution of unpaid care work.

These trends challenge PAHO’s commitments to reducing health inequities, advancing universal health coverage, and strengthening people-centered, integrated health services across the life course. Yet health policies in the Region largely focus on women’s reproductive years, leaving the needs of women in midlife and older age insufficiently addressed. This gap is particularly critical during perimenopause and menopause—phases that may extend over a decade and significantly influence women’s long-term health trajectories.

Globally, more than 450 million women experience these transitions at any given time. When unmet, menopausal symptoms and their long-term consequences increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders (such as depression and dementia), osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and gynecological conditions. These outcomes align closely with PAHO priorities on NCD prevention, mental health, and healthy aging. The burden is substantial, with an estimated 2.4 million disability-adjusted life years lost and USD 120 billion in annual GDP losses, highlighting both health and economic implications.

Topics

Aging encompasses profound social and cultural dimensions, with women’s experiences shaped by societal norms, expectations, and stigma around aging and reproductive changes. Limited awareness and understanding can hinder adaptation, while gaps in support from families, workplaces, and communities can increase isolation and feelings of inadequacy. Strengthening education, promoting societal acceptance, and creating supportive environments can empower women to navigate these transitions with dignity and resilience—improving well-being, fostering inclusion, and enhancing quality of life.

Addressing women’s health and well-being beyond the reproductive years offers a strategic opportunity to advance PAHO’s objectives on health equity, gender equality, and integrated service delivery, while supporting healthier aging and more sustainable health systems. A comprehensive, life-course approach—integrating physical, mental, and social well-being; strengthening primary health care and referral networks; and safeguarding women’s rights and autonomy—is critical to achieving PAHO Strategic Plan outcomes and ensuring no woman is left behind.

By prioritizing structural solutions—policies, programs, and social supports that address systemic disadvantages—PAHO can help ensure that women not only live longer but live healthier, more autonomous, and socially supported lives. Investing in women’s healthy aging strengthens health systems, promotes equity, and advances sustainable development across the Region.

Participation

• DATE: Monday, March 9, 2026
• LANGUAGE: Spanish
• TIME: 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm (ET, Washington)
• PLATFORM: ZOOM (with register)

REGISTER

Agenda

 Time 

 Topic

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MODERATION

Mercedes García Escalante. PAHO youth network representative

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2:00 - 2:10

Welcome remarks

Pan American Health Association (PAHO) (TBC)

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2:10 - 2:20

Women with lived experiences from diverse communities

Juana Collado. Union of Domestic Workers, Chile
Female leader from afro descendent community (TBC)
Female leader from indigenous community (TBC)

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2:20 - 2:30

Unmet Health Needs, Inequities, and Barriers Undermining Older Women’s Health and Wellbeing

Suzanne Serruya. Unit Chief, Life Course, Women’s and Children’s Health, PAHO.

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2:30 - 2:40

Social Protection Gaps Shaping Women's Health Trajectories and Wellbeing

Lexarta Larraitz. International Labour Organization (ILO) (TBC)

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2:40 - 2:50

Women's Healthy Aging and Human Rights: Addressing Structural Inequalities, Discrimination, and Violence

Ivonne Garza. O'Neill Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States

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