Confirmed sessions:

Panel: How can plan sponsors resist gendered stereotypes to support women’s financial health?

A variety of studies show women have saved about a third less than men by the time they retire. There are several factors at play here, including: women continue to face a wage gap; women experience more career interruptions (parental leave, raising children, caregiving); and women have longer life expectancies. Many reasons are also behavioural: women report being less confident about savings and retirement and are less likely to take on investment risk. This panel session will explore the viewpoints of three plan sponsors that are combating these challenges through workplace resources and support.

Panellists:
Francesca Lippa, pension and benefits manager, S&C Electric Co.
Frances Policarpio, head, total rewards, Wealthsimple
Lisa Rosen, benefits, pension and well-being leader, PwC Canada

Moderator:
Jennifer Paterson, editor, Benefits Canada

Beyond wellness: The economic case for women’s health

Supporting women’s health is not only the right thing to do, it’s also a smart business decision. The evidence is clear that ignoring women’s unique health needs comes at a significant cost. Investing in women’s health helps support longevity and sustained workforce participation, making it a strategic investment to strengthen engagement and retention, as well as drive economic growth. This session will explore how prioritizing women’s health can deliver measurable benefits for organizations and the broader economy.

Speaker:
Jennifer Foubert, head, group benefits, product, and growth, Manulife Canada

From menstrual cycles to menopause: Why modern benefits must evolve with women’s lives

Women move through extraordinary hormonal chapters — each one shaping how they feel, live and show up in the world and workplace. From early reproductive years to pregnancy, postpartum shifts, perimenopause and menopause, these changes call for understanding, compassion and the right support at the right time. This session will demonstrate that when benefits evolve to meet women’s evolving needs, we create environments where women feel seen, supported and able to thrive at every life stage — and when women rise, entire organizations rise with them.

Speakers:
Dr. Kristy Prouse, chief medical advisor, women’s health, Science&Humans
Hira Siddiqui, health care executive, co-founder, Science&Humans

A check in on women’s health

We’ve heard from employers across the country that they want to better support the health of women in their organizations. This session will provide insights from Sun Life’s new Designed for Health report: Focus on women’s health — emerging trends, effective support, which provides an analysis of claims data from more than three million plan members. This session will demonstrate how group benefits plans can provide effective and tailored health supports for the women in the workplace.

Speaker:
Krista Hogan, director, product development, health solutions, Sun Life

Encouraging women's financial empowerment through group savings plans

Canadian women are feeling financial stress more than men — and it’s impacting every part of their lives. This session will uncover the root causes of chronic financial insecurity and share insights from Desjardins’ latest research. It will also delve into how a group savings plan can make a difference and offer strategies to boost employee engagement with the plan.

Speakers:
Telma Charrua, director, business development, group benefits, Desjardins
Avnee Patel, senior director, business development, group retirement savings, Desjardins

More sessions to be announced soon.