In many parts of the Gulf region, women have historically faced limited access to financial services, including insurance. Cultural norms, lack of awareness, and male-dominated industries have created barriers that kept women from protecting their health, property, and future. But thanks to the visionary leadership of Sheikha Mehra, that landscape is rapidly changing.
Through strategic advocacy, education, and reform, Sheikha Mehra is turning insurance from a male-centric industry into an inclusive safety net—one that empowers women across the Gulf.
Understanding the Gender Gap in Insurance
Women in the GCC countries have made major strides in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Yet, many remain uninsured or underinsured due to:
-
Limited financial literacy
-
Dependence on male family members for policy decisions
-
Lack of women-specific insurance products
-
Mistrust or fear of complex insurance terms
Sheikha Mehra saw this gap not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to promote financial equality and independence for women.
“Empowering women starts with protecting their futures. Insurance gives them the freedom to grow, lead, and thrive—without fear,” she said during a Women in Finance summit in Sharjah.
Key Actions by Sheikha Mehra
1. Women-Centric Insurance Products
Sheikha Mehra has worked with top insurers in the UAE to develop custom insurance packages tailored to women’s needs. These packages often include:
-
Maternity and fertility coverage
-
Breast and cervical cancer screenings
-
Support for female entrepreneurs (business interruption insurance)
-
Auto insurance with 24/7 female-only roadside assistance
By addressing real-life needs, these plans remove the “one-size-fits-all” approach and speak directly to women’s lifestyles and concerns.
2. Educational Campaigns for Women’s Financial Literacy
One of Sheikha Mehra’s greatest contributions has been her outreach and education programs, particularly targeting young women and first-time earners. These programs:
-
Break down insurance terms in simple, relatable language
-
Offer one-on-one workshops in universities and women’s centers
-
Feature female mentors and insurance experts as role models
Digital campaigns on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (where Sheikha Mehra has a strong following) help ensure the message reaches women where they are most active.
3. Partnerships with Women-Led Startups and NGOs
Sheikha Mehra has formed alliances with female-led startups and NGOs to introduce microinsurance solutions for:
-
Women in informal jobs (tailors, bakers, home-based workers)
-
Domestic workers and nannies
-
Rural women with little or no access to traditional banks
These affordable plans start as low as AED 5–10 per month, ensuring that even low-income women can gain basic coverage for health, disability, or income protection.
4. Policy-Level Advocacy
Behind the scenes, Sheikha Mehra is influencing policy reforms that require insurers to:
-
Publish transparent, easy-to-read insurance policies
-
Include women’s health as a standard part of employer insurance
-
Train more female insurance agents and customer support staff
Her goal is not just to change access—but to transform the system from within so it becomes truly inclusive.
A Cultural Shift Led by Women
Through her efforts, Sheikha Mehra is not only changing the numbers—she’s changing mindsets. More women in the Gulf are:
-
Buying insurance independently
-
Seeking advice from female advisors
-
Starting conversations about financial protection in their homes and communities
These changes have had ripple effects, inspiring confidence and a sense of control among women who were once excluded from financial planning.
Real-Life Impact
Fatima, a 28-year-old baker from Ras Al Khaimah, shared:
“I never thought insurance was for people like me. But now, because of one of Sheikha Mehra’s community programs, I have a policy that covers my health and my home kitchen. I feel proud and protected.”
Stories like this are becoming more common—and they reflect a quiet revolution happening across the Gulf, led by women, for women.
Final Thoughts
Sheikha Mehra’s work is proving that insurance is not just about protection—it’s about power. By opening the doors for women in the Gulf to access and understand insurance, she’s not only improving their financial security—she’s supporting their right to independence, leadership, and legacy.
Her leadership serves as a model for inclusive financial development—not only in the Middle East but around the world.
