SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Women & Child Development
The report identifies significant insurance gaps faced by women in Pacific Island Countries, particularly those engaged in informal sectors such as agriculture and handicrafts, and those carrying disproportionate unpaid care responsibilities. With insurance penetration at just 3.8% in Fiji, 1.4% in Papua New Guinea, and below 2.5% elsewhere, women remain exposed to economic shocks and climate-related disasters. Informal social protection systems - family networks and savings groups - offer limited relief but collapse during large-scale crises, often pushing households into harmful coping mechanisms like asset liquidation or school withdrawals for children. Weak regulatory structures, low awareness, and minimal female representation in the insurance workforce compound the problem.
The study highlights early-stage initiatives such as parametric, weather-indexed insurance under the Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme (PICAP) in Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga, which provide affordable disaster-linked payouts. Drawing on global practices - such as mobile airtime-linked policies in Ghana, bundled coverage in Brazil, and women-oriented products in India - the report recommends strengthening regulations, building tailored insurance products, improving access through technology, and integrating gender-sensitive frameworks. It emphasizes that inclusive insurance is essential for resilience and sustainable development in Pacific societies.
Follow the full report here: