The Microinsurance MBA Association of the Philippines Inc. (MiMAP), also known as RIMANSI, in partnership with Globe Business, held a learning session entitled “Strengthening Women’s Role in Mi-MBA Governance” on March 30, Friday, via Zoom videoconferencing in celebration of the association’s anniversary and women’s month. More than a hundred members of the Board and management staff from 11 Microinsurance-Mutual Benefit Associations (Mi-MBAs) were in attendance.
Over a hundred members of board and management staff from 11 MiMAP partner Mi-MBAs attend the learning session on women’s role in Mi-MBA governance on March 30 via Zoom videoconferencing.
This month’s learning session aimed to recognize and maximize the role and participation of women, especially Nanay-Board of Trustees (BOTs), in the Mi-MBA sector. In support of this initiative, Globe Business partnered with MiMAP and gave a brief presentation on their offered products and services that may be beneficial for the Mi-MBAs and their members.
Significantly, the policies and programs implemented by Kasagana-Ka MBA Inc. (KMBA), one of the Mi-MBAs in the MiMAP network, for the development and enhancement of their Nanay-board members and board alumni were featured in the learning session. KMBA General Manager Silvida Antiquera served as the Resource Person of the event.
Ms. Antiquera detailed the journey of KMBA members from being members to being part of the MBA Board. She discussed the smallest unit of KMBA (KCoop as their primary partner and a member of their KSO family) called “centers” which exists in their 33 branches and that can each consist of 14 – 40 members, gather weekly to facilitate the collection of payments and discuss issues and needs of the members.
As part of encouraging the participation of Nanay-BOTs in the organization’s governance, the Nanay-members can get elected as head of their respective center. They are called ‘Center Chief’. When elected, Center Chiefs attend a quarterly Center Chief conference where they can voice out the concerns raised by the members of their centers. Aside from this, a Center Chief can also get further elected as a Member-Area Coordinator.
Volunteer Member-Area Coordinators primarily serve as the link between KMBA and its members. They assist in claims validation and member recruitment, facilitate microinsurance campaigns, and disseminate information on KMBA’s products and services in various communities. Member-Area Coordinators are also entitled to certain benefits such as attending seminars and trainings and participating in value formation and team building.
KMBA General Manager and Resource Person Silvida Antiquera (top-right) shares the benefits of a Member-Area Coordinator via Zoom videoconferencing.
Most importantly, they have the opportunity to get elected as KMBA’s Board of Trustee and
represent the women and the Nanay-BOT sector in the organization (Association). KMBA conducts onboarding session to prepare and orient the newly elected Trustees of their role as MBA’s BOT. They are able to gain knowledge and expertise and grow their professional network by attending trainings, seminars, and conferences. Additionally, Trustees also have access to KMBA Basic Life Insurance with a retirement fund, burial assistance (KoK), and K-Kabataan Scholarship assistance (as part of their benefits).
To ensure that more women and Nanay-BOTs can be involved in KMBA governance, Trustees can only get elected for up to three years as a Center Chief or Member-Area Coordinator (there is no reelection at the Board level). After which, they become Board alumni and serve as advisers to newly elected Board members. They participate in monthly meetings and give advice in the decision-making of the Board when necessary.
KMBA General Manager and Resource Person Silvida Antiquera (top-right) discusses the roles and responsibilities of MBA Board Alumni via Zoom videoconferencing.
When asked why KMBA decided to include their former Board members in the organization’s governance, Ms. Antiquera stated, “Sila ang may bitbit ng history, ng experience in running the MBA.”
“Maximize natin ang mga resources natin. ‘Yung kakayahan, participation ng mga nanay even after their term… Hindi pwedeng i-forego kasi sila ang mukha ng Kasagana-Ka. ‘Yung value system, ‘yung tatak Kasagana-Ka, sila po ang magbibitbit nito at magiging insperasyon ng mga members,” Ms. Antiquera added.
About MiMAP (RIMANSI):
The Microinsurance MBA Association of the Philippines Inc. (MiMAP) or RIMANSI helps professionalize the management of microinsurance mutual benefit associations (Mi-MBAs) and microinsurance programs to provide affordable, comprehensive, and quality risk protection to millions of poor people in Asia and the Pacific. Towards this purpose, MiMAP assists Mi-MBAs in developing risk management solutions, building capacities, advocating for appropriate policy environment, and pursuing research & development agenda.
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