Dr. Awele Elumelu Calls for Women’s Leadership in Insurance
In a powerful call for change, Dr. Awele V. Elumelu, Chairperson of Heirs Insurance Brokers and Avon HMO, urged for increased female leadership in Nigeria’s insurance industry. Speaking at the inaugural International Conference for Women in Insurance, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Dr. Elumelu stressed that gender inclusion is both a “strategic advantage and an ethical imperative” for the sector.
The conference, organised by the African Insurance Women Association (AIWA), gathered insurance professionals, policymakers, and advocates to discuss strategies for enhancing women’s representation at all levels. Heirs Insurance Group served as the event’s lead sponsor, aligning with its commitment to promoting gender parity.
During her keynote speech, titled “The Future of Insurance: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities,” Dr. Elumelu highlighted the importance of women’s perspectives. “The urgency to bring more women into this field is clear,” she stated. “Women bring fresh perspectives and empathy, essential for designing inclusive, people-centred solutions.”
Dr. Elumelu pointed to Africa’s low insurance penetration rate, currently below 3%, as a challenge and an opportunity for growth. She underscored the role of digital solutions and microinsurance in reaching underserved populations. “With our young, tech-savvy population, we have a unique chance to build products that truly resonate with Africans,” she noted, adding that mobile technology could aid in expanding financial literacy among younger generations.
Dr. Elumelu also advocated for stronger public-private partnerships to drive regulatory innovation and enhance customer trust. “A collaborative approach between industry players, regulators, and local communities will set the stage for a resilient and inclusive insurance sector that can drive economic growth across Africa,” she concluded.
Lady Margaret Moore, President of the Africa Insurance Women Association, praised the conference as a landmark event. “This first-of-its-kind event brings together African women in insurance to empower and inspire one another. The conference aims to foster connections, share knowledge, and promote collaboration across the industry,” she said.
With a robust retail footprint and a dynamic digital presence, Heirs Insurance Group, a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, continues to champion gender inclusion while serving customers across Nigeria. Nestlé Nigeria Boost Young Nigerians Future with Scholarship
