As the insurance industry marks International Women’s Day, leaders across the sector are reflecting on the progress made in improving gender equality – while acknowledging that more work remains to break down the barriers women still face in the workplace.

In a recent Insurance Times analysis, industry voices discussed how organisations must go beyond simply encouraging women to speak up, and instead create environments where everyone feels supported and empowered to succeed. A key theme was the need for businesses to address the “invisible barriers” that can hold women back from progressing in their careers.

At Acorn Group, this is a conversation we actively engage in. Our colleagues play a crucial role in shaping a culture where talent can thrive regardless of gender, and where opportunities for progression are accessible to all.

Building supportive and inclusive workplaces

Miruna Constantinescu, from Acorn Group, highlighted in the article that organisations should not rely solely on individuals being “brave enough” to ask for support or progression. Instead, leaders and managers should be equipped with the tools and awareness needed to cultivate team cultures built on psychological safety and inclusion.

This perspective reflects an important shift in thinking across the industry: meaningful change happens when organisations take proactive steps to remove barriers, rather than expecting individuals to navigate them alone.

As part of this commitment, Acorn Group was certified as a Great Place to Work for Women last year – a recognition that reflects the strength of our culture and the experiences of women across our organisation. Our Great Place to Work survey results underscore this, with 97% of colleagues saying they feel accepted for their gender at work. This reinforces the importance of continuing to build an environment where people feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

Supporting this cultural foundation is DRVN – Acorn Group’s women’s network. DRVN (pronounced “driven”), with the tagline Women driving change, provides a dedicated space for development, connection and support. Centred around three pillars – Careers, Wellness and Milestones – the network offers leadership inspiration sessions, specialist wellbeing workshops, and access to mentoring. DRVN enables colleagues to share experiences, build cross‑business relationships and access practical tools to help them overcome barriers that women are more likely to face. It is designed to evolve with its members, ensuring it remains relevant, inclusive and impactful.

Driving meaningful progress

While the insurance sector has made positive strides in recent years, women remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles across many industries. International Women’s Day therefore serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder that businesses must continue taking action to create equal opportunities.

At Acorn Group, we believe that supporting diversity and inclusion is not just the right thing to do – it strengthens our organisation and enables us to better serve our customers. By fostering an environment where different perspectives are valued, we can build stronger teams, drive innovation and create a workplace where everyone can reach their full potential.

Looking ahead

International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of women across our business and the wider insurance industry. It also encourages us to continue challenging the barriers that remain.

At Acorn Group, we are committed to ensuring our people feel supported, valued and empowered – today and every day.