Insurance Product for Women Farmers

Climate change is exacerbating agricultural challenges in India, particularly affecting smallholder farmers and disproportionately impacting women. Projections suggest a 9% drop in crop yields by 2040 and a 20-25% drop in income due to extreme climate events. These issues are compounded for women, who comprise 57% of agricultural labour and 28% of cultivators, yet face limited access to resources, training, and decision-making power. In Rajasthan, an arid state with 62% of land affected by desertification, climate variability and socio-economic inequities put women farmers at high risk.

However, women are also key to sustainable agricultural transformation. They increasingly manage farms due to male outmigration and demonstrate a preference for long-term, eco-friendly practices. Empowering women with tools and resources to adapt can significantly enhance climate resilience and local conservation efforts.

She Leads Bharat launched a unique gender climate initiative named, She Leads Bharat Mahila Kisaan Initiative to unlock access to innovative gender-sensitive climate insurance for 1 million smallholder women farmers, impacting over 5 million vulnerable individuals in 10 states in India. In its Phase I, with the support of Global Parametrics (as part of Natural Disaster Fund) and Humanity Insured, it has protected 15,000 smallholder women farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, indirectly impacting 75,000 vulnerable individuals.

This project presents a scalable, data-driven, and gender-responsive approach to climate adaptation for rural women farmers. By combining digital innovation, community networks, and tailored insurance products, it empowers women as agents of resilience while paving the way for systemic rural insurance adoption.