Women’s health has too often been approached in fragments: hormones here, mental health there, the body somewhere in between. But the reality is far more complex, and far more interconnected.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural summit, which brought together medical experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs and community leaders to examine the gender health gap, The Nine Women’s Health Summit returns in 2026 with a new focus: the powerful and often overlooked connection between the brain and the body in women’s health.

From hormonal fluctuations and stress to neurological responses, mental load, and the physiological impact of burnout, women’s physical and cognitive wellbeing are deeply intertwined. Yet healthcare systems, research frameworks, and even workplace cultures continue to treat them as separate issues.

This year’s summit explores what happens when we finally start connecting the dots.

Throughout the afternoon, leading practitioners, researchers, innovators and policy voices will share insights on how neurological, hormonal, emotional and physical health interact across the female life cycle. Beyond the science, the event will also open space for lived experience, practical strategies and collective reflection.

The goal is simple but urgent: to better understand women’s bodies, support long-term wellbeing, and rethink the way health systems approach female physiology.

Expect an afternoon of thoughtful conversation, accessible science and practical tools designed to help participants better navigate the complex relationship between mind, hormones and physical health.

Key Themes

• The brain–body connection: why women’s health requires an integrated approach
• Stress, burnout, and the female nervous system
• Hormonal cycles as allies rather than obstacles
• Understanding the female brain: beyond outdated medical assumptions
• Lifestyle, prevention, and functional health approaches that support long-term wellbeing

Opening Panel Speakers

• Médecin Sans Frontière Belgique
• Laetitia Lusakivana| Neuroscience Women Empowerment Brussels
• Stéphanie van de Werve, Co-Founder Thémis
• Moderator Elizabeth Kuiper Associate Director and Head of the Health and Societal Resilience Programme, European Policy Centre

Breakout Sessions

• Madame Papillon | Mental Health | Stress, Burnout & the Female Nervous System
• Marieke Steen | The Brain-Gut Connection: Hormones as Friends not Foe
• Natalia Miranchuk | Soula Founder | Mind, Body & Soula: AI and Neuropsychology

Experiences

• Nervous System Reset by Amad’or Soft Touch
  A hands-on nervous system reset with a soft-touch treatment (clothed-no oil)
• Longevity Workshop by Emilie Etoundi
  A small-group stretch and light workout session

Demonstrations & Pop-up

• Famme.visible | Healthech
• Nina Noorali | Menopause research survey
• Moonbird | Discover Belgium's breakthrough female-founded breathing device
• ikonõ | Inclusive swimwear pop-up for bodies in times of change and transition

Pricing:

• €75 for members of The Nine
• €90 for non-members

_____________________________________________________

Please inform us in advance of allergies and/or dietary requirements

Agenda: