Women Leaders Meet in London to Discuss Longevity and Aging
Type: News
Front row: Alana Major, Diane Holder, Fleur Sack, Debra Caplan, Anne Marie Reidy, Donna Shalala, Sue Kirsch. Back row: Allison Taunton-Rigby, Beverly Morrow, Usha Raj, Nancy Barry, Susie Shipley, Dominique Lanctot
The International Women’s Forum (IWF) Healthcare Special Interest Group (SIG) marked its 12th gathering this month at the organization’s 2026 Cornerstone Conference in London, continuing a global conversation on healthcare leadership that began in 2019.
The group was co-founded by Women's Health Activist Movement (WHAMglobal) board member and former Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) Board Chair Debra Caplan, MPA, and JHF CEO and President Karen Wolk Feinstein, PhD, who saw an opportunity to unite and engage IWF members around shared healthcare interests and challenges.
“What has made this group special is the willingness of women leaders from different professions and countries to learn from one another,” Caplan said. “The conversations are practical, personal, and globally informed.”
Founded in 1974, IWF is a nomination-only organization connecting more than 8,400 women leaders across 78 forums in 37 countries.
Since its launch, the Healthcare SIG has grown to include more than 100 women leaders who meet during IWF conferences and continue conversations virtually throughout the year. Its success has also inspired additional IWF special interest groups that are focused on the following areas: philanthropy, higher education, artificial intelligence, and law.
Over the years, the SIG has addressed issues ranging from patient safety and women’s health to human trafficking, COVID-19, innovation, and aging. This year’s London session focused on “Aging Made Simple: Aging Reimagined.” Dr. Feinstein presented a 15-minute video based on the Foundation’s six-part Aging Made Simple series, followed by facilitated table discussions designed to spark peer exchange and collaborative problem-solving around the demographic cliff being experienced worldwide.
The roundtable discussions generated ideas and dialogue including how different countries and cities are beginning to address the demographic shift, development of intergenerational communities, caregiving challenges, and workforce needs to support the aging population.
“It’s been very powerful having a special interest group,” Dr. Feinstein said. “IWF has given us the opportunity to connect with national and international networks, and it’s made all the difference.”
As healthcare systems worldwide confront aging populations, workforce shortages, and challenges to access to care, the SIG remains focused on fostering meaningful dialogue and innovative solutions among women leaders committed to improving health and healthcare globally.
