1. Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) - 2007 SEWA is a trade union of 959,698 women workers in the informal economy in Gujarat and 7 other states. It was founded by Elaben Bhatt.

2. Our Members Four major categories a.Home-based workers b.Vendors (of all types of wares) c.Manual labourers and service providers d.Producers

3. SEWA’s MAIN GOALS Full Employment Work Security Income Security Food Security Social Security — insurance, healthcare, childcare, shelter, pension. Self-Reliance Economically Decision-making and control

4. VimoSEWA Started in 1992 in SEWA Bank VimoSEWA separate unit in 2000 Membership (Jan 1, 2007): 1,75,390 Centered in Gujarat – plus six states

5. Current insurance package Product Scheme I coverage Scheme II coverage Wome n MenChildrenWomenMenChildren Health 2000 2500*6000 2500* Asset 1000020000 Life 7500 20000 Accidental Death (Member) 4000065000 Accidental Death (Husband) 15000250001500050000 Premium for the entire package 125100 275225100 Family Discount 2550

10. MEMBER VIMO SEWA INSURANCE COMPANY Marketing Premium collection Claims servicing Risk carrier Data management Research & Monitoring Main Players

11. Premium Collection - House-to-house - Through self-help groups -Annual – quarterly – monthly Fixed deposit Annual pay

12. Claims Servicing MEMBER AAGEWAN VIMO SEWA CLAIMS COMMITTEE Documents Cheque INSURANCE CO. Bulk reimbursement

13. Lessons Learned - General 1. The poor are willing to pay for insurance 3. Insurance promotion can be a source of employment 2. Linking insurance to other financial services provides payment options, e.g. SHGs, SEWA Bank

14. Lessons Learned – General (contd.) 5. Premiums can be increased gradually, but services must be appropriate and timely 4. Insurance by and for poor women, encourages organizing and contributes to economic empowerment

15. 1.Integrated a)Comprehensive protection b)Cost efficient marketing 2.Affordable 3.Family package Lessons Learned – Product

16. Lessons Learned – Services 2.At the doorstep 3.Regular member contact 4.Open-door policy 1.Clear communication about reasons for decisions taken

17. Successes 1. Acceptance of insurance as risk mgmt 2. Building grassroots cadres to market and service insurance 3. Responsive to member needs 4. Policy level recognition of insurability of poor

18. Successes (2) 5. Database of member and claimant information 6. Programme-related research

19. Challenges 1.Providing adequate protection 2.Ensuring that members understand and retain information about insurance 3.Retaining members

20. Challenges (contd.) 4. Maintaining good member data 5. Containing cost of selling and servicing insurance to the poor a. Issues of financial viability

21. Policy Recommendations 1.Integrated insurance package 2.Enabling environment — flexible regulations to encourage new, pro-poor initiatives 3.Removal of service tax (currently 12%) for micro insurance 4.Government contribution to match people’s contributions

22. 5.Implementation by people’s organisations (POs) and NGOs 6.Appropriate, affordable products - developed with insurers, POs and NGOs 7.Reduce capital requirement from Rs. 100 crores to Rs. 30 crores for insurance cooperatives by/for the poor Policy Recommendations

23. Other Initiatives 1. Prompt Reimbursement System in Health Insurance 2. Weather Insurance pilot. 3. Programme Related Research.

24. Thank you Visit us at www.sewainsurance.org Contact us: social@sewass.org