Vimo SEWA, an Indian insurance cooperative owned and run by women working in the informal sector, will be advising the implementation of a similar microinsurance program in Namibia [1]. The effort is part of the Namibian government’s Vision 2030 initiative, a series of developmental policy goals enacted in 2004 to be achieved by the year 2030 [2]. As part of Vision 2030, the Namibian government has demonstrated commitment to other forms of social insurance by enacting monthly pensions to elderly and disabled citizens [1]. Additionally, the Namibian government is funding Vimo SEWA during the advisory process [1].

While Vimo SEWA has yet to issue formal recommendations, Vimo SEWA chairperson Mirai Chatterjee stated that similarities between Namibia and India environment would simplify implementation. “There are some problems, like high number of HIV cases, alcoholism and scattered population,” she said. “But the model can be replicated there.”

About Vimo SEWA:
Vimo SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) provides a variety of social insurance services to 125,000 women across five Indian states [1]. The Vimo SEWA microinsurance model focuses on delivering a variety of insurance services to women working outside the formal economy financed by annual premiums. Vimo SEWA is a member of the SEWA family of organizations, all of which are based on the idea of success through “struggle and development,” [4].

[1] “VimoSEWA to develop microinsurance in Nambia” by Gandhinagar, April 9, 2010,
http://www.netindia123.com/showdetails.asp?id=1481459&cat=Business&head=VimoSEWA+to+develop+microinsurance+in+Namibia

[2] “Namibia Vision 2030: Policy Framework for Long-Term National Development.”, Office of the President, 2004, http://www.npc.gov.na/vision/pdfs/Summary.pdf

[3] “Namibia seeks sewa’s help to set up micro insurance” April 4, 2010, http://www.3dsyndication.com/showarticle.aspx?nid=DNAHM30407

[4] SEWA: “Insurance Products Women Insurance Ahmedabad India.”, http://www.sewainsurance.org/sewa.htm

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: Vimo SEWA: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=vimo+sewa

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