The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) today showcased some of the women making an impact in the industry to mark International Women’s Day.

It asked leaders what this year’s theme, “inspire inclusion”, means to them.  

“Today is an important day, but it’s the actions and behaviour we model every day that will inspire inclusion and greater gender equality,” ICA COO Kylie Macfarlane said. “Everyone benefits from diversity, equity and inclusion and it’s essential we pursue progress at pace.” 

Gen Re Australia Property Facultative Manager Lynda Gregory thanked ICA for “highlighting how inclusive the Australian insurance and reinsurance space can be. Inspire inclusion means diversity of thoughts, where all have a seat on the table and a voice in the room.  

“Thank you to all the people in our businesses who day in and day out live diversity and inclusion and enable change. Let’s keep it going.”

Suncorp CEO Consumer Insurance Lisa Harrison says she has been fortunate to have the support of people who champion gender equality.

“I am inspired to pay it forward and work towards creating a more inclusive workplace and insurance industry,” she said.

IAG today hosted a panel event where leaders shared views on the challenges and advances being made in creating more inclusive and equitable organisations.

MD and CEO Nick Hawkins says International Women’s Day is an opportunity to “recognise there’s still more we can and must do”.

“Having gender equity helps us contribute to the financial independence of women,” he said. “More diverse companies are more innovative, deliver better outcomes and have stronger financial performance. I’m really proud of the opportunities we create for women at IAG and of the work we’re doing to create a more equitable organisation.”

IAG Group Executive People Performance and Reputation Christine Stasi says inclusion means celebrating diverse experiences, voices and perspectives.

“Championing inclusivity helps us create a more resilient and innovative workplace where our people can thrive and enables us to deliver better outcomes for the customers and communities we serve,” she said.

Avant Mutual Group CEO and MD Natasha Fenech says this year’s Inspire Inclusion theme “has to be transformative”.

“It’s a commitment to fostering a world where everyone is valued and actively included. It’s about dismantling barriers, celebrating diversity and creating a safe environment for people to be their authentic self,” she said.

At 1Cover Travel Insurance, MD Natalie Ball says while the insurance sector is historically male-dominated, it is shifting “towards gender equality and advancement”. 

“We take great pride in our diverse team, with a notable 70% of our management positions occupied by women,” she said.

Insurance recruiter REO Group’s Business Lead Deanna Kyriazopoulos has seen "an increase in the recruitment of women into senior positions within the insurance industry over the past 12 months, signalling a positive and much-needed step towards achieving greater gender equality.

“Insurers have adapted to obtain the right people for their senior positions.”