Topics - Round Table Discussions

The EIWH recognises the importance of promoting gender equity in health. The conference invited keynote speakers and presenters in the area of health policy development, research, education and training and medical expertise in specific health areas related to men and women. The conference emphasised:

The importance of gender-sensitive research leading to a more effective health promotion and disease prevention programmes for both sexes

Discussions on the significance of detecting and handling diseases in their earliest stages, when treatment is most effective and less costly

Examination of health service delivery and the reforms needed to achieve equal access for women and men

The conference was organised in such a way that the multidisciplinary delegates from across Europe reached a consensus on recommendations for promoting action in the area of gender equity at an EU and national level. A report on the recommendations from the conference will be disseminated as widely as possible and form part of the ongoing EIWH discussions with EU policy makers and MEP's.

The EIWH believes that it was important that all healthcare stakeholders should be involved in this conference, the first of it's kind in Europe. The Conference gave participants the opportunity to work with the European Institute of Women's Health in creating a framework for promoting and mainstreaming the Gender Perspective in EU Public Health, contributing positively to the future health of men and women in Europe.

As a result of working together at this conference delegates helped ensure that European men and women will have a greater opportunity to live their livess in better health, with less of the burden imposed by disablility and disease

Introduction

Setting the Scene

Dr Mary Short, Director, European Institute of Women's Health Gender and Health

Peter Kind, Acting Director of the European Commisions Directorate DGRTB.BII - Research Programmes

Maj-Britt Teorin, MEP, Chairperson, Committee on Women's rights and equal opportunities - Health Policy from a gender perspective

Prof Lesley Doyal Professor of Health and social care, School for policy studies, Bristol University Framework Doc. for promoting Gender Equity in Public Health in Europe

Stephen Matlin, Director, Human Resources Develpopoment Division, Commonwealth Secretariat. Mainstreaming the gender perspective into the Health Sector. Speaker to be confirmed

What are the training needs Psychosocial Health of Adolescents. An Overview or Gender Health Issues

Dr Susanna Sans Director of the Monitoring and research Programme on Chronic Diseases at the Institute of Health Studies, Barcelona.Heart Disease-A gender bias

Dr Karen Ritchie, Research Director, French National Institute of Medical Research INSERM), France. Senile Dementia- A gender Issue

Prof. Gordon McVie Director General, Cancer Research Campaign, United Kingdom. Equity and access in treatment of Cancer

Mary Anderson, Executive Director International Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis A male / female issue

Mari Hartl, Social Affairs Offices, Division for the advancement of Women, United Nations. Sexual and reproductive health

Dr Peter Mc Kenna, Ireland Master, Rotunda Hosptial. Health of mother foetus as a determinant of the future Health of Mother and Child Health Promotion

Sinead Hewson, Director of New Youth Communication, Edelman. Reaching young people the challenge