25 September, 2026
Wo.Men in Finance Annual Event 2026 | Who Cares?
Insights on Caregiving and Parenthood in Finance
Wo.Men in Finance Annual Event 2026: Who Cares?
How can organisations better support employees as they navigate the realities of caregiving, parenthood, and career development? This question took centre stage at the Wo.Men in Finance Annual Event 2026, where finance professionals, HR leaders, managers, parents, caregivers, allies, and inclusion advocates gathered under the theme "WHO CARES?" to explore the evolving relationship between work, wellbeing, and life beyond the office.
Building on the findings of Belgium's first sector-wide survey on caregiving, parenthood, and inclusive career progression, the event created an important platform for sharing experiences, challenging assumptions, and identifying practical ways to foster more inclusive workplaces. Participants gained valuable insights into how caregiving responsibilities and life circumstances can influence career development, highlighting the need for organisations to support employees throughout different stages of their professional and personal journeys.
A key moment of the day was the presentation of the survey results by Nathalie Delaere, whose findings sparked thoughtful discussions on workplace inclusion, sustainable careers, and the barriers that caregivers and parents can face in the workplace. The data underscored the importance of moving beyond awareness toward meaningful action that enables employees to thrive both professionally and personally.
The event was officially opened by Stephanie Grysolle, setting the tone for a day dedicated to reflection, learning, connection, and collective responsibility. Throughout the programme, participants engaged in keynote sessions, networking opportunities, and interactive workshops designed to encourage honest dialogue and practical problem-solving.
Five expert-led workshops offered participants the opportunity to explore specific challenges and solutions in greater depth:
- Not Less Committed: Challenging Bias Against Parents and Caregivers at Work, facilitated by Tamara Eelsing
- Setting Strong Boundaries as a Working Caregiver, led by Leen Vermeersch
- Never Good Enough: How to Manage Guilt and Perfectionism as a Working Caretaker, facilitated by Itzel Lusenti
- Wonder Parent, Wonder Pro! Reconnaître et prévenir le burnout parental, led by Marie-Christine Wats
- Too Much to Care For? Surviving the Sandwich Years, facilitated by Claire Godding
Across all sessions, participants examined topics such as psychological safety, wellbeing, unconscious bias, microaggressions, inclusive leadership, and work-life integration. The high level of engagement throughout the day demonstrated a clear appetite for continued dialogue on these issues and reinforced the growing recognition that caregiving and wellbeing are workplace concerns, not solely personal ones.
As one of Wo.Men in Finance's flagship initiatives, the Annual Event continues to bring together stakeholders from across the financial sector to exchange knowledge, challenge existing practices, and collaborate on creating more inclusive workplaces. By fostering open conversations and practical action, the event contributes to a future where all professionals, regardless of their caregiving responsibilities or life circumstances, have the opportunity to build sustainable and fulfilling careers.
Wo.Men in Finance extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, workshop facilitators, partners, volunteers, and participants whose contributions made this year's event a success. Together, we continue to strengthen inclusion, support wellbeing, and advance more equitable career pathways across the financial sector.
Missed the event and interested in exploring the survey findings in greater depth?
📅 30 October 2026
🎤 Webinar with Nathalie Delaere: A Deeper Dive into the Parenthood & Caregiving Survey Findings
👉 Register here: Wo•Men in Finance x Multicultural Network in Finance Webinars for 2026 - Wo•Men in Finance Belgium / Multicultural Network in Finance
Resources:
Survey Results and Workshop Takeaways
Parenthood and Caregiving Survey Handout
Not Less Committed: Challenging Bias Against Parents and Caregivers at Work (Tamara Eelsing)
Setting Strong Boundaries as a Working Caregiver (Leen Vermeersch)
Never Good Enough: How to Manage Guilt and Perfectionism as a Working Caretaker (Itzel Lusenti)
Wonder Parent, Wonder Pro! Reconnaître et prévenir le burnout parental (Marie-Christine Wats)
Explore the event photos and revisit the inspiring conversations, networking moments, and key highlights from the day: https://misterh.pic-time.com/2LqcX0LKKRO5o
