Longevity - A gender lens perspective

Following our successful initiation event on the topic of Longevity past fall, we are welcoming our community to the continuation of this topic. This time we are looking at Longevity with a gender lens. We invite healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and all those interested to join us for another multidisciplinary dialogue.

Female Healthspan Lagging Behind Rising Life Expectancy

Women’s health is a critical enabler of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Ensuring access to comprehensive, equitable, and gender-responsive healthcare not only improves health outcomes for women but also contributes to broader societal and economic development. Improved maternal health, access to sexual and reproductive services, early detection of non-communicable diseases, and support during menopause all enhance women’s ability to participate fully in education, the workforce, and community life-thereby advancing goals related to poverty reduction, education (SDG 4), economic growth (SDG 8), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

While women live longer than men on average, they often spend more years managing preventable or poorly understood health conditions. This growing imbalance between lifespan and healthspan raises important questions: Why does it exist, where are the gaps, and how can we address them through science, policy, innovation, and investment? 

This is why we need to start a discussion on Longevity from a female perspective: Historically, women's health has been narrowly defined by reproductive care—a framework often referred to as “bikini medicine.” This limited view has marginalized critical aspects of women’s health including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, mental health, and the long-overlooked post-menopausal years. Gender gaps in medical research and clinical trials continue to result in delayed diagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and systemic health inequities. And this is about to happen again in the current longevity discussion.

Men Fund It, Women Live It: The Paradox of the Current Longevity Discussion

Although women statistically live longer than men, the longevity sector—particularly its investment landscape—is currently predominantly driven and funded by men. This discrepancy reflects longstanding gender imbalances in both the financial and scientific communities, where men have historically held decision-making and capital allocation roles. Additionally, much of the early longevity discourse has focused on performance optimization, biohacking, and technological intervention—areas that have traditionally attracted male interest and funding.

Meanwhile, the specific healthspan needs of women—such as hormonal health, post-menopausal care, and sex-specific aging trajectories—have received comparatively limited attention. And this despite the market opportunites. As a result, the longevity sector risks overlooking the unique biological and social factors that shape aging in women, despite their longer lifespans and significant influence as healthcare decision-makers and consumers. Closing this gap presents both a scientific imperative and a market opportunity. Women’s health is not just a medical issue—it is a trillion-dollar economic opportunity. And this is where our Longevity discussion kicks in.

A Multidisciplinary Panel Bridging Health, Finance, Policy, and Media

This panel brings together exceptional leaders from various disciplines for a truly cross-disciplinary dialogue. Their diverse expertise highlights the deep interdependence of various fields in shaping the future of women’s health and longevity. 

We are honored to welcome our keynote speaker, Dr. Malte Doehne, Senior Researcher at the University of Zurich, whose opening address will set the stage for an evening of insight and inspiration. Following the keynote, our distinguished panelists will share their expertise to engage in a dynamic discussion with the WISF Community:

Kevin Bürchler – CEO, SIP Medical Family Office

Sophie Chabloz – Co-Founder & Chief Science Officer, Avea

Dr. Anna Erat - (MD/PhD/IDP INSEAD) Medical Expert, Board Member Women's Brain Foundation, Mentor ETH, Faculty University of St. Gallen Executive School

Dr. Natalia Trpchevksa - (MED/PhD) Medical & Scientific Director, AYUN

What to expect

• Insights into Emerging Innovations and Market Trends

• Increased Awareness of Gaps in Research and Clinical Practice

• Enhanced Understanding of Women's Health Across the Lifespan

• Identification of Women’s Health as a Strategic Investment Opportunity

• Facilitation of Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

  
  

Ventures welcome

We are welcoming ventures and solution providers who are contributing to the field of #WomenHealth. If you are interested in presenting your solution during our event, please send an email with a short pitch to info@wisfinternational.com.

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