Event summary produced by The Globe and Mail Events team. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.
Despite longer life expectancies, women still face significant health disparities, spending 25 per cent more of their lives in poor health compared to men, according to a 2024 McKinsey report. Contributing factors include limited knowledge about women’s health, societal expectations, and stigma around menopause, with marginalized communities facing even greater challenges.
On November 6th, The Globe and Mail hosted a half-day hybrid event where business and HR leaders gathered to discuss strategies and solutions for creating supportive workplaces for women and addressing these multifaceted issues.
Missed the live event or would like to view it again? Scroll down to watch full replays (English and French versions).
You can find links to the additional resources mentioned during the sessions below.
Erin Adams, vice president of human resources at The Globe and Mail made opening remarks. Then Liza Vityuk, partner at McKinsey & Company presented how women’s health issues in the workplace impact their overall quality of life.
From there, Rita Trichur, senior business writer and columnist with The Globe and Mail moderated a discussion on how particular illnesses, such as menopause can negatively impact the progression of their careers.
Sandra E. Martin, standards editor at The Globe and Mail interviewed a pair of speakers, discussing the role mental health plays for women at the workplace. Dave McGinn, staff reporter at The Globe and Mail hosted a panel which shared possible solutions and supports for healthier workplaces for women. As part of her closing keynote, Dr. Yolanda Kirkham, an obstetrician gynecologist engaged our audience in the shifting dialogue and conversation regarding women’s health. Finally, Jessica Tan, president at Sun Life Canada provided summary remarks to close out the event.
Speakers in panels and interviews include:
- Shauna Mueller, client success manager, Ready Set
- Denise Campbell, director, Canada - wide ambassador program coordinator, Endometriosis Network Canada
- Janet Ko, president and co-founder, The Menopause Foundation of Canada
- Sonia Kang, Canada research chair in identity, diversity, and inclusion, Institute for Gender and the Economy, University of Toronto
- Rachel Mansell. director of policy and research, The Prosperity Project
- Helena Pagano, executive vice-president, chief people and culture officer, Sun Life
- Ayman Alvi, vice president, global pension & benefits, Scotiabank
- Stephanie Braid, director, inclusion, diversity & equity, KPMG Canada
View full replays (English & French) here:
Additional Resources:
- https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/
- https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/pdf_files/MFC_Workplace_Checklist_EN.pdf
- https://fertilityfriendsfoundation.com/
- https://endometriosisnetwork.com/
The Globe and Mail presented the event with sponsor support from Sun Life.
To learn about future Globe and Mail events visit www.globeandmail.com/events.