Pan-Canadian Women’s Health Coalition Newsletter: February 2026!

Virtual Grand Rounds: Spotlight on the The GEM Hub – KnowledGE Mobilization for pregnancy and post-pregnancy care

The GEM Hub is a community-driven network bringing together people with lived experience, health care providers, researchers and policy-makers from across Canada. Grounded in relationships, shared learning and creativity, members  work alongside one another to shape research and knowledge mobilization to improve pregnancy and post-pregnancy care.

For this Grand Rounds, the Hub will share insights and progress on co-creation work using practical examples — from visual resources, to clinical algorithms and tools, as well as new methodologies and processes. 

Join us on February 25 at 12 p.m. EST to chat about what has been working well, what has been challenging and precious lessons learned across the Coalition.

Participants are encouraged to come prepared to reflect on how co-creation shows up in their own work!

Programming Available: Vitally Important National Women’s Health Summit

The Vitally Important: National Women’s Health Summit brings together leading researchers, clinicians, innovators and advocates from across the country for two days of conversation, collaboration and action. This is where we begin rewriting the story — together.

Taking place: Toronto, March 24-25, 2026

We’re excited to announce that the Pan-Canadian Women’s Health Coalition (PCWHC) will be featured in panels and conversations on cardiovascular health for women; novel diagnosis and treatment for chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis; new technology improving support during the perinatal period; chronic pain and autoimmune conditions; addressing misinformation in women’s health with research, and more.

In addition to this outstanding lineup, we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser — physician, coach and four-time Olympic gold medallist — as a special guest at the evening reception on Day 1 (March 24).

National Women’s Health Research Initiative (NWHRI) Grantees Spotlight

Let’s not wait 11 years”: Development and rapid adoption of a screening measure for endometriosis in young Canadian adults

This project addresses a critical gap in endometriosis care for young adults in Canada. Many Canadians live for more than a decade with pain, uncertainty, stigma and declining mental health before receiving a diagnosis — delays that disproportionately affect women and gender-diverse people. 

Current screening tools are largely designed for adults with severe disease and have not been developed or tested for young adults or within the Canadian context. This project aims to change that by adapting and validating an endometriosis screening measure specifically for Canadians aged 18–25.

The research team is working closely with clinicians, people with lived experience and primary care providers to refine an existing screener and test it with 230 young adults across Canada. In parallel, the team is co-creating a practical toolkit to support early screening and intervention in primary care settings.

By accelerating early detection and improving access to care, this work has the potential to reduce years of unmanaged symptoms and improve long-term physical and mental health outcomes for young people living with endometriosis.

Watch this space for future updates and other NWHRI grantees spotlights.

Celebrate the 8th annual Wear Red Canada with the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance (CWHHA) 

Wear Red Canada is an annual campaign raising awareness for women’s heart and vascular health. Why? Heart and vascular disease is on the rise and is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Globally, cardiovascular diseases affect 1 out of 3 women, yet women everywhere are under-studied, under-diagnosed, under-treated and under-aware when it comes to their cardiovascular health.

Learn more about women’s cardiovascular health by joining the National Webinar “Women’s Hearts in Every Season: Protecting Your Health at Every Stage of Life” on Friday, February 13 at 12 p.m. EST. 

Participate in studies from the SHAPE Hub

  1. Your Voice Matters: Indigenous Women & Two-Spirit Persons

About the study: The Sexual Health and Genito-Pelvic Pain Knowledge Empowerment Hub (SHAPE) is looking for Indigenous women and Two-Spirit persons who have experienced sexual difficulty or pain with sexual activity, now or in the past, to participate in a 20-minute survey that will help us know what research areas are important to Indigenous women and Two-Spirit persons.

Who can participate:

  • Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people
  • Have experienced sexual difficulty or pain with sexual activity (now or in the past)
  • Feel comfortable reading and writing in English
  • Have internet access and access to a mobile phone or computer

How to participate: Complete the eligibility form here

  1. Evaluation of Barriers Healthcare Providers Face in Managing Sexual Dysfunction and Genito-Pelvic Pain

About the study: This study aims to identify barriers faced by health care providers in assessing and managing female SD/GPP. The first phase of the study will involve a nationwide survey that will be distributed to a wide range of health care professionals across Canada, to gather initial data on their experiences and barriers that they face.

Who can participate: Primary care practitioners, obstetricians, gynaecologists, psychiatrists, urologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, physiotherapists and psychologists.

How to participate: Complete the sign-up survey here

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Maya Popovich.

Located in Calgary? Join the Alberta Sex, Gender and Women’s Health Research Hub for two exciting events

On Friday March 6th, the Supporting HER: Practical Tools for Women’s Midlife Health in Primary Care Conference will provide a practical and evidence-based update on key clinical issues affecting women in midlife, including screening, prevention and management strategies relevant to primary care. Through focused plenaries and case-based discussions, participants will explore best practices in menopause care, hormonal therapy, sexual health, mental health, chronic disease risk and emerging screening approaches.

On Saturday March 7th, the Hub’s second annual Women’s Health Symposium will take place at Calgary Central Library. A free public event celebrating International Women’s Day, there will be experts on key women’s health topics presenting throughout the day, a resource fair with interactive booths, an art exhibit and a film screening of the new perimenopause documentary, The [M] Factor 2: Before the Pause.

Hub highlights

  • Watch: Register for the upcoming WCHC (Women-Centred HIV Care) Hub talks:
    • Activating Equity in Health Research Session: HIV and Implementation Science on February 11, 2026 at 1 p.m. EST – Register here
    • Clinical Talk: Understanding and Treating Problematic Perimenopause in Women Living with HIV on February 18, 2026 at 1 p.m. EST – Register here
  • Listen: 
  • Read: The SHAPE HUB 2025 Annual Report showcases the partnerships and projects that defined 2025 and advanced the Hub’s efforts to address sexual dysfunction and genito-pelvic pain. We invite you to explore the report and reflect on the impact and growth achieved as the Hub continues working toward its mission to mobilize knowledge and evidence-based resources that inform and improve the health of women and gender-diverse people. Read the report here.
  • Share: Canada is taking an important step toward making women’s health a national priority. That’s why the introduction of Bill S-243 matters. The legislation would establish a National Women’s Health Framework, creating a federally coordinated approach to women’s health. For too long, women’s health has been fragmented, under-researched and under-prioritized. A national framework would lay the foundation for long-term change, strengthening research and innovation, improving provider education, and addressing persistent gaps in care and access across the lifespan. Learn how you can support the effort here.

Have news, events or stories to share? 

Submit your Hub updates or activities by the 15th of each month to be featured in our newsletter! Submissions can be made through our intake form or by contacting Deborah Dahan, Manager of Evidence in Action. You can also add events to our calendar at any time.

Let us know what your Hub is up to — we would love to highlight your work!

Share this bulletin

Please invite all members of your Hub, community partners, or others who may be interested to sign up for this newsletter here and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Bluesky.

Published:

February 4, 2026


Categories:


SHARE THIS POST:


Icon