Despite facing disproportionate risks, many women across the globe remain uninsured or under-protected. These are underscored by global statistics which revealed that 41% of women have not visited a healthcare professional in the past 12 months, and 36% don’t exercise enough to stay healthy. Women also have less access to finance, with only 33% of businesses owned by them. Filipino women contend with societal biases from the majority of the population, including the expectation to assume caregiving responsibilities for children and elderly family members. The country also faces a preventable yearly loss of 2,400 women and girls due to causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. 

Being a woman shouldn’t be a risk

To demonstrate more inclusive protection for women, leading insurance provider AXA intensifies its advocacy in a global campaign anchored on inspiring them to power through today’s challenges of being a woman — be it in health, or male-dominated fields such as business and sports. By empowering women and providing them with the necessary tools and resources in these key areas, they can overcome gender-specific obstacles and achieve their full potential.

AXA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer, Nandy Villar, emphasizes AXA’s pivotal role in the movement. He states, “While life is full of uncertainties, the company strives to secure a future everyone has the right to be hopeful about and where being a woman should not be a risk. With our new global campaign, we continue to address protection gaps, ensuring the well-being of women in the Philippines and worldwide." 

AXA's global reputation for protecting and empowering women is exemplified by its impactful initiatives. These include increasing women's access to insurance products with benefits that cater to them, funding purposeful women's health studies, and providing valuable support for women in business and sports. The new global campaign reaffirms the organization’s commitment to addressing women's gender-specific needs and challenges through a united, AXA-wide approach.

Empowering Filipino women and families

AXA Philippines actively finds ways to ensure holistic well-being for women. The 2022 AXA Women’s Health local campaign, which gained recognition as Health Marketing Initiative of the Year at the Insurance Asia Awards 2023, inspired women in the sandwich generation to prioritize their own health and well-being through healthcare products Global Health Access (GHA) and Health Care Access (HCA) with preventive and treatment services such as financial assistance for pregnant women, executive checkups, benefits for mothers that extends to their children, and health screenings such as mammogram and pap smear; or critical illness plans Health Max and Health Start that provide cash benefits for covered critical illnesses like breast and cervical cancer.

Echoing AXA’s global goal of building a diverse and inclusive workplace, AXA Philippines also fosters an environment where women are celebrated and groomed for success. A woman and a mother herself, AXA Philippines Chief Human Resources Officer Sharon Hernandez sees the value of her role for the women within the organization. She said, "I take great pride in my role, ensuring that AXA's commitment to supporting women is not just a mere promise, but a visible reality within our workplace. We implement policies and initiatives that prioritize the needs of parents and women, empowering them to excel not only in their professional endeavors but also in their multiple life goals and roles." 

AXA Philippines also joined forces with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) to further promote women’s health and fitness through “Her Court” — weekends of sports and fitness activities for women and children at the NBA Community Court in Mandaluyong City, starting this November. Nandy Villar stated, "We believe that sports play a crucial role in empowering and breaking barriers for women. AXA and the WNBA's shared goal behind this partnership is all about creating opportunities for women to excel in their fitness journey. Whether they like to pursue a professional career in sports or not, we want to foster an environment where they can truly thrive regardless.    

The leading insurance provider continues to live up to its mission of being a trusted partner for women everywhere as the global movement is in motion. AXA entities around the world remain united towards advancing transformative solutions that protect and support women throughout their unique life journeys in the years to come.

To know more about AXA Philippines' commitment to holistic well-being for women and for all, visit AXA's website.