Earlier this year, Zurich and Arcadia Consulting hosted an event ‘Celebrating Women in Insurance’ which explored the concept of allyship in the industry. The feeling of inclusion, or exclusion, is powerful. It influences how people show up at work, how they contribute and whether they stay. Women in insurance don’t just need opportunities, they need a culture that supports them every day. That’s where everyday allyship makes the biggest difference.
What does everyday allyship look like?
You don’t need a senior title to be an ally. You just need awareness, empathy and action.
Here are some ways to show up:
- Listen without interrupting or assuming.
- Give credit when a woman shares a great idea.
- Speak up when someone uses dismissive or biased language.
- Invite women into conversations and opportunities they might be left out of.
- Offer emotional support and check in regularly.
Allyship is about making inclusion feel normal rather than exceptional.
Why consistency matters
Inclusion isn’t a once-a-year workshop. It’s in the daily behaviours:
- Who gets asked to lead projects?
- Who’s heard in meetings?
- Who gets promoted, mentored or given feedback?
When we shift the culture, we reduce barriers that many women face:
- Fear of asking for flexibility.
- Burnout from doing it all without support.
- Second-guessing their value in male-dominated spaces.
Allyship profiles: Who can you be today?
You don’t have to play one role – great allies are agile and can be supportive in a number of ways.
- Sponsor – Speak someone’s name in the room where decisions happen.
- Scholar – Commit to learning about others’ experiences.
- Amplifier – Echo and elevate women’s contributions.
- Advocate – Push for policy change.
- Upstander – Call out problematic behaviour.
It’s important that everyone is given a fair chance. At Coversure, we make sure that everyone, no matter their background, has the opportunity to share their voice and contribute.
Rhea Robinson, Group Operations Manager at Coversure Poole, Coversure Weymouth, Coversure Bideford and Coversure Croydon
Jensten Network: A culture where women can thrive
At Jensten Network, women play a valuable role in our community. We make it possible to:
- Run your business with autonomy.
- Build your schedule around what matters to you.
- Access powerful support to scale at your own pace.
If you’re feeling empowered to jump into entrepreneurship or take your existing brokerage to the next level, join a network that cares about your success and wants you to succeed.
