EmpowerHER Epilepsy Forum 2026

FOR ASSISTANCE ON THE EVENT DAY - CALL LISA ON 0413 647 013

EmpowerHER Epilepsy Symposium - 7 March 2026 - Sydney & Virtual

Join us for a dynamic, one-day forum dedicated to supporting and uplifting women living with epilepsy throughout all stages of life. Hosted by Epilepsy Action Australia, this unique event brings together expert knowledge, lived experiences, and community connections to inspire and inform. Gain valuable insights from medical professionals, hear powerful personal stories, and connect with others who understand the journey. EmpowerHER offers more than mere information... it's about building strength, confidence, and community.

Venue and Attendance: The event will take place in Sydney's Darling Harbour, offering an engaging in-person experience with opportunities for face-to-face connection and networking. A nationwide livestream will also be available, ensuring that women across Australia can participate and benefit, no matter where they are.

Program Highlights

• Inspirational Stories: Be moved by the powerful experiences of women living with epilepsy, as they share their challenges, triumphs, and resilience.

• Keynote Address: Dr Kaitlyn Parratt will unravel reproductive wellbeing, focusing on the hormonal impact of epilepsy and anti-seizure medications over the lifespan of women living with epilepsy.

• Experts Panel Discussion: diving into a range of topics, including cognition, memory, anxiety, and mood in women with epilepsy at different life stages. Tackling the difficult questions for young women with epilepsy on contraception, relationships, fear of seizures in intimate moments, eating for epilepsy, pregnancy planning, and managing the fourth trimester!

• Lived Experience Panel: Join facilitator Carol Ireland for a thoughtful and engaging session where women with epilepsy from various life stages share their personal experiences and respond to your submitted questions. This intimate discussion offers a unique opportunity to gain practical advice and meaningful insights from those who truly understand.

  Peer Networking: In-person and online attendees can take part in guided networking sessions facilitated by Australian Women with Epilepsy, offering a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and build rapport with other women living with epilepsy.

• Additional In-Person Inclusions:
  In-person attendees will enjoy a catered morning tea and buffet lunch, along with a conference bag filled with helpful resources. For online participants, all resources will be provided electronically.

Early bird ticket sales end on February 14th at 11:55pm.

General ticket sales end on March 5th at 10pm. In person tickets purchased after March 2nd at 8am will not be able to cater to dietary requirements.

Join us at EmpowerHER to celebrate resilience, build connections, and gain knowledge that will inspire and empower you on your journey with epilepsy. We can't wait to see you there!

PROGRAM

8.30- 9.00 Registration

9.00- 9.05 Welcome - Carol Ireland

9.05- 9.30 Keynote Speaker - Culture, Identity & Inclusion - Nikyah Hutchings

9.30- 10.00 Keynote Speaker - Unravelling Reproductive Wellbeing: The Hormonal Impact of Epilepsy and Anti-Seizure Medication - Dr Kaitlyn Parratt

10.00- 10.10 Australian Women with Epilepsy - Danielle Heaven

10.10- 10.40 Morning Tea and Networking - Danielle Heaven, Elizabeth Ambrose (online facilitator)

10.40- 10.45 Networking Wrap-up

Epilepsy Voices: Women, Wellness & Life Panel - Facilitator Carol Ireland

10.45- 11.45 Danielle Heaven, Indi Kelly, Emma Copeman, Amanda Anderson and Susan Don

Epilepsy Insights: The Female Brain in Epilepsy: Cognition, Confidence & Calm - Facilitator Dr Kaitlyn Parratt

11.45- 12.05 Clear Thinking: Understanding Cognition in Women with Epilepsy - Dr Zoe Thayer

12.05- 12.25 Cultivating Calm: Understanding Anxiety in Women with Epilepsy - A/Prof Milena Gandy

12.25- 12.45 Q & A

12.45- 1.30 Buffet Lunch

Epilepsy Insights: Real Life, Real Women, Real Epilepsy - Facilitator Dr Kaitlyn Parratt

1.30- 1.50 The Age of Enlightenment - Dr Ella Stephens

1.50- 2.10 The Fourth Trimester: Post Partum Practicalities - Dr Emily Sutherland

2.10- 2.30 Midlife Epilepsy: Hormones, Heart, and Bone - Dr Kaitlyn Parratt

2.30- 2.50 Q & A

2.50- 3.00 Local and national services and supports - Lisa Todd

3.00- 3.10 Australian Epilepsy Project - Amanda Anderson

3.10- 3.50 Keynote Speaker - Unlocking the Code: Genetics Driving a New Era of Empowered Epilepsy Care for Women - Dr Alison McLean

3.50- 4.00 Wrap-up and Close - Carol Ireland