COVID-19 and the Insurance Industry: Why a Gender-Sensitive Response Matters. This guidance note explores how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the gender gap in insurance access and services. It identifies four key areas where applying a gender lens can improve customer-centricity: operational practices, brand communication, product innovation, and new distribution channels. With practical insights from IFC's Women's Insurance Program, the paper offers a roadmap for insurers to better serve women during and beyond crisis periods.