Features
Plugging the gender protection gap: Exploring women-centric insurance initiatives
The article explores women-centric initiatives for closing the gender protection gap in insurance, noting women's vulnerability in accessing financial tools and products. Despite their significant contributions to economies, women often lack adequate insurance coverage due to gender biases and limited data collection. The article highlights how tailoring insurance products to women's needs is crucial, with initiatives like APA SHEild and UNCDF's PICAP aiming to empower women through microinsurance. The article shines the spotlight on projects in Argentina and Kenya which further highlight efforts to develop inclusive insurance solutions. At the same time, data collection tools like the FeMa-Meter toolkit and financial education programs by organisations like AB Entheos are essential steps towards closing the gender protection gap and promoting women's financial resilience worldwide. Ultimately, the gender protection gap is an opportunity to reach a much broader market; by filling these gaps, the industry can contribute to boosting the resilience of women in vulnerable communities, which in turn will help society more broadly.
By invitation: Carlos Boelsterli looks at how microinsurance has evolved in Latin America
Carlos Boelsterli, CEO at MiCRO and Microinsurance Network Board member, reflects on the evolution of microinsurance in Latin America. Over a decade, he's witnessed notable shifts driven by technological advancements and improved regulatory frameworks. While challenges persist in distribution and affordability, Boelsterli emphasises the importance of engaging indirect beneficiaries and enhancing financial education. He underscores the need for continued innovation beyond digitalisation, advocating for inclusive strategies that empower individuals and promote shared responsibility. Boelsterli highlights progress in regulatory cooperation, citing the Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala's endorsement of index-based solutions as a pivotal step toward expanding inclusive insurance services across the region.
Meet our new institutional members
Comision Nacional de Bancos y Seguros de Honduras | Honduras
The National Banking and Insurance Commission of Honduras (CNBS) is the entity in charge of regulating and supervising the financial and insurance system in Honduras. Its responsibilities include setting regulations, licensing, protecting consumer interests, promoting financial stability, and preventing money laundering. The CNBS plays a fundamental role in guaranteeing the integrity and soundness of the financial and insurance sector in the country, contributing to economic stability and protecting the rights of citizens.
Confiança Micro-Seguros, SA | Mozambique
Confiança Micro-seguros, SA is microinsurance licensed and regulated by Instituto de Supervisão de Seguros de Moçambique (ISSM) since 2022. Their mission is to provide inclusive and sustainable microinsurance solutions with socio-economic impact on rural communities, and their vision is to be a distinguished microinsurance company in the market focused on innovative solutions.
Confiança Micro-seguros, SA operates in Maputo, Maputo city, and Gaza Provinces in partnership with Microbank Confiança, SA, and other MFI’s and non-financial companies. They provide microinsurance to individuals, micro, small and medium entrepreneurs in rural and urban areas, offering Credit Life (Death and Disability) and funeral benefits.
Consultores de Seguros S.A CONSEGSA | Bolivia
CONSEGSA is a company legally established in Bolivia. Since 1992, it has provided uninterrupted service in brokerage and insurance advice, with extensive experience in the technical design of conditions for procuring insurance policies across all branches. They maintain a strong negotiating capacity with local insurance companies, managing a portfolio of brokered premiums totaling more than USD 40 million per year.
MiN, Members & Partners: Upcoming Events
- Asociación Salvadoreña de Empresas de Seguros, Centro de Investigación y Formación en Seguros | Webinar “Mujeres Seguras” | 9:00 AM (hora El Salvador), 22 de marzo | Virtual | Regístrese aquí
- Belgian Raiffeisen Foundation (BRS) | Microfinance Lunch Break. Is digital inclusion the way to job creation and poverty alleviation? | From 12:00 CEST, 22 April, 2024 | Live in Auditorium of KBC, Havenlaan 2, 1080 Brussels or online via livestream | Register here
- MiN June Member Meeting 2024 | 18-20 June 2024 | Register now (members only)
- ABOCOSER, Microinsurance Network, Munich Re Foundation | Primer congreso latinoamericano de seguros inclusivos | Santa Cruz, Bolivia, del 15 al 19 de Julio | Regístrese ahora
- Fédération Marocaine de l’Assurance: Rendez-Vous de Casablanca de l'Assurance 2024 | 17-18 April 2024 | Register here
- International Conference on Inclusive Insurance 2024 | 21-25 October 2024 | Kathmandu, Nepal | Call for proposals (deadline – 9 May 2024)
Recap past events:
- Access to Finance Rwanda's LEAD (Learn, Engage, Act and Develop) Series | Unleashing the Power of Data in the Financial Sector | Watch the recording
- Feed the Future MRR Innovation Lab | Behavioral Economics Forum: Lessons to Strengthen Development Programming and Policy | Watch the recordings
- International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) | Webinar “Just Transition Finance: Pathways for Banking and Insurance” | Watch the recording
MiN, Members & Partners: News, Blogs & Resources
- Microinsurance Network | Landscape 2024: Call for in-country consultants
- A2ii launch FeMa Meter – a tool for promoting gender equality within the insurance sector
- E-MFP, InFiNe.lu & Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Luxembourg: European Microfinance Award 2024. Advancing financial inclusion for refugees & forcibly displaced people | Call for applications (apply by 15 April 2024)
- IFAD: Alvaro Lario: “Without family farming, we would not have eaten today.” An interview with the President of IFAD
- VisionFund: Gender Equality enables Impact
Jobs, Internships & RFPs
- Blue Marble | Multiple job opportunities
- UNCDF: National Climate Change Technical Specialist | Apply by 25 March 2024