Insurance profession joins global gender equality intiative

A range of sector leaders and executives publicly committed to make gender equality – and diversity in all its forms – a reality for insurance. This is a first for a sector that is traditionally regarded as conservative and male-dominated. The campaign is one important part of the CII-led Insuring Women's Futures programme (IWF), which seeks to better understand the risks women face, and how to better respond to these under-appreciated needs.

The HeForShe movement provides an innovative and inclusive platform for men and women to speak out for gender equality and acknowledge the ways that society benefits from this equality.

Sian Fisher, CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute and Chair of the IWF committee, said: “Today shows that the insurance profession is committed to driving change. Women are demonstrably less likely than men to protect themselves through insurance and financial planning.

“Recognising this, the insurance profession has taken a stand today to recognise that this is not a ‘gender’ issue. It is a risk for society and our male as well as female colleagues are showing their commitment to tackling it. I am also delighted that so many influencers and leaders have made their personal commitments to diversity public through this campaign. We all know that change comes from the top, and all of us will be looking forward to seeing what customer benefits will be born as a result.”

The launch event was hosted by the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Insurance Institute of London, as part of the Insuring Women’s Futures programme. The event kicks off a year-long CII HeForShe initiative, and insurance professionals can pledge their own commitment via www.insuringwomensfutures.co.uk/heforshe

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