Breaking Barriers in the Insurance Industry
International Women’s Day 2025 is centered around the theme #AccelerateAction, emphasizing the need for tangible progress in gender equality. Across the insurance sector, professionals are reflecting on what this means for them and how they can contribute to change.
The Importance of Action
Caroline Dunn, Chief Underwriting Officer at Zurich UK, highlights the significance of measurable progress. She notes that International Women’s Day has been recognized since the early 1900s, but real change requires actionable steps. According to Dunn, collecting and analyzing data is key to ensuring efforts drive meaningful outcomes. “We need to take actions that not only make an impact but also move us in the right direction,” she stated.
Fostering Equality in the Workplace
Elaine Lennox, Regional Managing Director of the Midlands at Gallagher, sees the day as an opportunity to highlight female talent within the industry. “IWD provides a platform to recognize women’s contributions and acknowledge areas where further progress is needed,” she explained.
Joanna Browning, Senior Managing Director at Markel, stresses that breaking systemic barriers requires proactive engagement. “It’s crucial to support women at every stage of their careers by providing access to professional development and necessary resources,” she said. Ensuring policies remain relevant and aligned with employees’ needs is a priority for achieving long-term equity.
Driving Inclusivity and Progress
For ISC Group, #AccelerateAction is about more than just discussions; it is about implementing strategies that enable women to thrive. CEO Carmen Powell underscores the importance of leadership programs, business integration, and industry partnerships in driving gender balance.
“Recent reports, such as the FTSE Women Leaders Review, indicate an increase in women holding senior positions, including finance directors and independent directors,” Powell noted. “However, the decline in female CEOs is concerning. Now is the time to address this gap and ensure women have equal opportunities to advance.”
Research consistently shows that diverse leadership teams improve business performance. Companies that actively retain and promote female professionals benefit from higher profitability and enhanced talent retention. Powell encourages organizations to turn commitments into measurable outcomes, ensuring sustainable progress for women in the insurance industry.
Marking International Women’s Day 2025
Insurance companies are commemorating IWD 2025 in various ways. At Zurich UK, Dunn and her team are holding a company-wide tea break, bringing together male and female colleagues to discuss workplace equality. “It’s a time to reflect on our progress and identify areas for improvement,” she explained. One major focus is enhancing paternity leave policies to create a level playing field for all employees.
“Without initiatives like this, achieving true equality remains a challenge,” Dunn emphasized. “It’s an industry-wide issue that requires collective action.”
Looking Ahead
The journey toward gender equality in insurance continues. #AccelerateAction serves as a reminder that real change happens through sustained efforts and intentional policies. By fostering inclusivity, supporting career progression, and removing barriers, the industry can create a more equitable future for all professionals.