By fostering mentorship, prioritising well-being, and creating real opportunities for growth, Pramerica has redefined what it means to empower women in the workplace. This is a story of representation, resilience, and the creation of a culture where women don’t just succeed—they thrive.
Over the past two years, Pramerica Life has moved the needle significantly on diversity, increasing the proportion of women in its workforce from 20 per cent to 26 per cent. More notably, 27 per cent of its salesforce is now comprised of women—an achievement in an industry where sales roles are often demanding and male-dominated. “Our diversity needle has moved significantly, but this is about more than numbers,” says Sharad Sharma, CHRO, Pramerica Life Insurance. “It’s about building a culture where women are supported, inspired, and enabled to lead.”
The cornerstone of this culture is SheShines, a mentorship platform launched in March 2024. This initiative connects women employees with senior leadership, including the CEO, for candid conversations about career aspirations, challenges, and opportunities. “The goal is to create an environment where women draw inspiration and actionable insights from leadership,” Sharma explains. The response has been remarkable, with over 150 women already benefiting from these transparent dialogues, proving that mentorship can be as much about listening as it is about guiding.
“Our diversity needle has moved significantly, but this is about more than numbers. It’s about building a culture where women are supported, inspired, and enabled to lead.”
Sharad Sharma, CHRO, Pramerica Life Insurance
But Pramerica’s efforts don’t stop at the office door. Recognising that women’s empowerment must extend beyond professional boundaries, the company has introduced well-being initiatives that address both physical and financial health. The SheStrong programme tackles often-overlooked women’s health issues such as menstrual hygiene, PCOS, and menopause, with support from leading gynaecologists and medical professionals. Complementing this is SheSavvy, a financial literacy programme designed to equip women with practical skills in financial planning, tax optimisation, and investment strategies. Together, these initiatives aim to empower women to take control of their personal and professional well-being.
Pramerica also understands the challenges women face when attempting to re-enter the workforce after a career break. Its second-career programme provides mentorship and structured support to help women navigate their return. The programme has seen remarkable success, with several participants seamlessly reintegrating after career gaps of up to 14 years. By bridging the gap between experience and opportunity, Pramerica ensures that talent isn’t lost to time.
At the heart of Pramerica’s social impact initiatives lies Swabhiman, a programme that empowers India’s Veernaris—widows of defence personnel. For the families of soldiers who have served the nation, Swabhiman is not just about employment but about dignity, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Beyond offering vocational training, financial guidance, and legal support, Pramerica actively visits cantonments and defence communities to provide career counselling and education opportunities for dependents. The initiative’s LEAP framework—Learn, Earn, Advise, Prestige—prepares Veernaris to join Pramerica as insurance agents, giving them a path to financial independence.
“One in six soldiers is insured by us,” Sharma reflects. “We believe supporting their families is not just a responsibility but an honour. Swabhiman is about ensuring dignity and creating a better quality of life for those who’ve sacrificed so much.”
Pramerica’s policies for working mothers further underscore its commitment to inclusivity and care. Maternity benefits exceed statutory norms, offering 182 days of paid leave along with an additional 12 weeks for adoptive mothers. Extended leave options and flexible work schedules ensure a seamless return to work, while comprehensive health insurance covers both mothers and children. Safety, too, remains a non-negotiable priority. Female employees are not required to work beyond 8 PM unless absolutely necessary, and company-funded transportation is provided when they do. To ensure a safe and empowering workplace, Pramerica maintains clear communication about its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), encouraging employees to report concerns without hesitation.
The company’s leadership reflects its unwavering commitment to diversity. Women hold critical positions, including company secretary, chief compliance officer, and financial controller, while others lead key business functions like the renewals channel—one of Pramerica’s primary revenue drivers.
Sharma is clear-eyed about the road ahead. “Diversity and inclusion are ongoing journeys,” he says. “While we’ve made progress, we remain focused on creating opportunities for women to thrive at every level.”
Through initiatives such as SheShines, SheStrong, SheSavvy, and Swabhiman, Pramerica Life has woven empowerment into the fabric of its organisational culture. By addressing the unique challenges women face—whether it’s re-entering the workforce, accessing healthcare, or achieving financial independence—the company has created a space where women can truly shine.
Pramerica Life’s story is not just about meeting diversity benchmarks; it’s about setting new standards. By championing mentorship, holistic well-being, and leadership opportunities, the insurer is proving that empowered women don’t just transform workplaces—they transform lives.
