The Australian Insurance Law Association has announced plans for an initiative to encourage female leadership development in the industry.

L@AILA will formally be launched at an event preceding the national conference in Hobart on October 30. It will offer education and mentorships for young women professionals.

“While the industry employs many women, too few are breaking into leadership roles,” AILA VP Melanie Quixley said.

“Women have different skillsets, including natural empathy and high emotional intelligence, and L@AILA aims to help them bring those strengths to the fore.”

A Workplace Gender Equality Agency report in March says women occupy less than 40% of managerial roles in the financial and insurance services sector.