On June 25, 2026, the German Alliance for Global Health Research (GLOHRA), together with the Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW), hosted a Parliamentary Evening at the German Bundestag on global women’s health research.
The event brought together policymakers, researchers, civil society representatives and industry partners to discuss how research can contribute to strengthening women’s health across the life course and across different health systems. The evening was opened by Prof. Dr. Veronika von Messling, Head of the Directorate-General for Life Sciences at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), and Susanne Hierl, Member of the German Bundestag and patron of the event. In her remarks, Prof. Dr. von Messling highlighted the broader relevance of the field, noting: “Women's health can become an export success for global health, delivering a high return on investment.”
The panel discussion featured Prof. Dr. Sylvia Mechsner, Dr. Olena Ivanova, Associate Professor Dr. Angella Musiimenta and Ludi Schlageter, and was moderated by PD Dr. Meral Esen. Participants reflected on the growing political attention to women’s health research in Germany and beyond, while also noting that important evidence gaps remain across conditions, contexts and stages of care. A recurring theme was the importance of continued interdisciplinary collaboration and the translation of research findings into practice.
Speakers discussed priorities across research, development and implementation, including the importance of generating robust evidence, strengthening patient-centered approaches and ensuring that research reflects diverse contexts and health needs. The exchange also emphasized the value of engaging women as partners in research and innovation processes.
The event concluded with a shared recognition of the importance of sustained collaboration between research, policy and practice in advancing women’s health. By convening stakeholders across sectors, the Parliamentary Evening provided a platform for dialogue on current research gaps and opportunities for future cooperation.
GLOHRA thanks all speakers, participants and partners for contributing to the discussion and to the DSW for their collaboration in organizing the event.