WONCA Europe is delighted to share the reflections of Bianca de Sá e Silva, Coordinator at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Family Medicine and Primary Health Care and PhD researcher at Ghent University, on the introduction of childcare services at the WONCA World Conference.
In her message, Bianca highlighted how the initiative enabled both her and her husband—both family physicians—to fully participate in the scientific programme while ensuring their children were well cared for:
“As an academic family physician – breastfeeding mother of two little boys, married to another family physician – this was an invaluable addition. It allowed me and my husband to more than double our participation in the conference, while keeping the peace of mind that our child is well-taken care of. Extra gratitude also for including the final day of the conference in the childcare coverage (I specifically had a presentation on that day).”
Bianca also underlined the importance of continuing such initiatives in future WONCA events:
“I urge you to keep in mind all the young parents that attend these conferences and the gender imbalance that overlooking baby and family-friendly services can cause. Let’s make all WONCA Conferences a family friendly space!”
WONCA Europe warmly thanks Bianca for sharing her experience and perspective. Her words affirm the value of making our conferences more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that every colleague—regardless of family responsibilities—can fully take part in our community.
