Insights from Tech4Eva Roadshow - Supporting Women’s Health in the Workplace
Did you know that companies that offer comprehensive support for women’s health have higher productivity, better retention of female employees, and help improve health outcomes for women? Things an employer can do concretely to showcase social responsibility include providing benefits and solutions to their female employees and re-designing the workplace to support women i.e., breaks to support breastfeeding, preventative health appointments, childcare, and mental health to name a few.
The October 31st Tech4Eva Roadshow, in partnership with SICPA brought together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to discuss the topic. Attendees learned how to support women’s health in the workplace to have higher productivity, better retention of female employees and help improve health outcome for women. 15 of Tech4Eva’s start-ups highlighted their cutting-edge innovations and how their solution can support employees. Below you will find a recap of the discussions:
A Welcome from Amal Rabbani, Communications Project Manager at SICPA
Amal Rabbani, Communications Project Manager at SICPA, opened the event by emphasizing the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing. “Prioritizing health in the workplace aligns with our values and meets the needs of our people,” she said. SICPA's partnership with Tech4Eva reflects their dedication to supporting women’s health and fostering innovation in professional settings.
Menstrual Health, Reproductive & Maternal Health
Moderated by Sapna Rao, Virtual Care Business Development at Philips, the first panel focused on the challenges of menstrual and reproductive health in the workplace. Panelists highlighted how Femtech innovations are improving women’s health management, particularly in areas like endometriosis, preterm birth prevention, and pregnancy-related conditions.
Hadas Ziso, CEO of EndoCure, explained how AI-based platforms are helping diagnose and manage endometriosis, a condition that’s often misunderstood and stigmatized. Panelists emphasized that employers could play a critical role in offering flexible work environments and understanding the challenges these conditions create.
Ashley Crafton, CEO of Galena Innovations, shared insights into how preterm birth affects many pregnancies and the role employers can play in supporting pregnant employees through better diagnostics and healthcare options.
Prevention & Oncology
The second panel, moderated by Hanne Langmoen, VP International Marketing at embecta, focused on Prevention & Oncology. Panelists discussed advancements in cancer screening, particularly for breast and cervical cancers. Omid Moghadam, CEO of Namida, shared how his company’s at-home testing kits are helping women access breast cancer screenings more easily, reducing the barriers to early detection.
Other panelists, such as Marisa Fayer, CEO of Deep Look Medical, spoke about the challenges of diagnosing cancer in dense breast tissue, highlighting how advanced imaging technologies can improve accuracy and reduce unnecessary follow-ups.
Healthy Aging, Wellbeing, and Menopause
The next panel, moderated by Cindy Rodriguez, Global Brand Director of Disruptive Innovation at Procter & Gamble, shifted to the topic of Healthy Aging, Wellbeing, and Menopause. Derek Sham, CEO of Cosm Medical, discussed how pelvic floor disorders and other age-related health challenges impact women, particularly those in physically demanding jobs. He urged employers to integrate health benefits that address these issues into their wellness programs.
Jasmine Tagesson from Hormona talked about the significant impact of menopausal symptoms on workplace productivity. “Companies can save millions by adopting policies like flexible working hours and menstrual leave,” she suggested, emphasizing that such inclusive policies create healthier, more productive work environments.
How Employers Can Support Women's Health
The final panel, moderated by Lara Rossi, PR & Media Manager at SICPA Strategic Communications, explored actionable ways employers can better support women’s health. Monika Zielonka, Cursus Formation Consultant & Board Member at Women in Tech, emphasized the importance of creating mentorship and allyship programs. Almudena Pérez, HR Manager at SICPA, and Iuliana Volery, Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding Manager at SICPA, shared how their company has implemented global standards for maternity leave, flexible hours, and mental health support to promote work-life balance.
They stressed that companies must not only address physical health but also consider mental and emotional wellbeing, which can significantly impact productivity and employee retention. “By fostering a culture of empathy and support, we enable women to thrive in their careers while managing their unique health challenges,” said Almudena.
A Call for Action and Greater Awareness
The Tech4Eva Roadshow in partnership with SICPA brought forward vital conversations about integrating women’s health into workplace culture. From menstrual and reproductive health to menopause and mental health, the event emphasized the need for workplace policies that consider the unique health challenges women face.
As we move forward, prioritizing women’s health not only supports employee wellbeing but also contributes to more engaged, loyal, and productive teams. The roadshow has set a powerful precedent for companies to adopt proactive and inclusive health policies, ensuring women can thrive in their careers while managing their health challenges.
Watch the entire Roadshow here: https://youtu.be/6SzvQyyyEw4