The insurance industry has made progress in recent years, but the journey towards genuine equality is far from over. One powerful concept that continues to gain traction is allyship – the active and intentional support of underrepresented groups, particularly women, in the workplace. In March, Zurich hosted an event with Arcadia Consulting on the importance of allyship in the workplace, and as part of our partnership with Zurich, we are expanding on this topic in our ‘Allyship in action’ article series.
Allyship isn’t about speaking for women, it’s about standing with them. It’s about creating space, amplifying their voices and challenging the systems that have historically held them back. True allyship goes beyond performative gestures. It requires ongoing effort and emotional intelligence. A real ally listens, learns and takes action, without expecting a reward.
The role of men in allyship
Men play a crucial role in creating inclusive workplaces. When men speak up and model ally behaviour, it normalises inclusion. Allyship is sometimes considered to be a ‘women’s issue’, when in fact, it’s a leadership issue, a culture issue and a people issue.
When done well, allyship benefits everyone. It improves team dynamics, strengthens trust and promotes innovation.
What happens without allyship?
The cost of inaction is real:
- Talented women leave the industry.
- Teams become echo chambers.
- Companies lose the benefit of diverse thinking.
- The perception of your culture suffers, impacting recruitment and retention.
Sam Doherty, Office Manager at Coversure Midlands, is optimistic about the growing influence of women in the insurance industry.
Women bring a unique perspective that complements the skills and experiences of our male colleagues. In our business, we’ve seen that women can often build strong, empathetic relationships with clients, which is a real benefit in this industry.
Sam Doherty, Office Manager at Coversure Midlands
How Jensten Network turns allyship into action
Jensten Network is more than a network – it’s a community of support. For women looking to grow their existing brokerages or break into the insurance space as entrepreneurs, we offer:
- Back-office support to take the pressure off.
- Guidance in risk and compliance, marketing, HR and accounts.
- Access to a range of markets.
- A flexible model that allows you to work around your family, lifestyle and priorities.
You don’t have to choose between your career and your personal life. At Jensten Network, you can thrive in both.
