By San José, Costa Rica — MAPFRE Costa Rica has announced that it has reached gender parity in its leadership positions, a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. The announcement coincided with International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, underscoring the company’s dedication to promoting gender equality within its workforce.
The company reported that four of its eight executive positions are currently held by women. This accomplishment extends beyond leadership roles, with women representing 46 out of 85 total employees, accounting for 54.12% of the workforce. This commitment to inclusivity is further reinforced by the company’s recent hiring trends. In February 2025, 75% of new hires in Costa Rica were women. Furthermore, within MAWDY Asistencia, a subsidiary of MAPFRE Costa Rica, women comprise 60% of the workforce.
To provide further legal context on gender equality, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
Achieving true gender equality requires moving beyond formal legal frameworks and addressing the underlying societal biases and cultural norms that perpetuate discrimination. This involves promoting equal opportunities in education, employment, and leadership positions, as well as actively combating gender stereotypes and violence against women. Businesses play a crucial role in fostering inclusive work environments and promoting gender-balanced leadership. A comprehensive approach, encompassing both legal and social change, is essential for building a truly equitable society.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the multifaceted nature of the fight for gender equality, rightly pointing out that legal frameworks alone are insufficient. True progress demands a societal shift in attitudes and behaviors, a transformation that requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including businesses and individuals. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this crucial conversation.
Armando Sevilla, Commercial Director of MAPFRE Costa Rica, attributed this achievement to the company’s hiring policies, which are based on a global model established by MAPFRE. These policies prioritize the candidate’s profile and salary expectations, without consideration of gender. Sevilla emphasized that these policies are designed to eliminate any potential bias in the hiring process.
We have regional monitoring indicators on inclusion and the number of women in management positions. These have allowed us to have a much clearer and more strategic overview regarding the reduction of gender gaps within MAPFRE Costa Rica.
Armando Sevilla, Commercial Director of MAPFRE Costa Rica
MAPFRE’s commitment to gender equality extends beyond Costa Rica. Globally, the company boasts a workforce where more than half (55.4%) of its 30,585 employees are women. The Board of Directors also reflects this parity, with seven male and seven female members in addition to the president. Women hold 42.5% of leadership roles globally, and the percentage of women in management positions has risen to 34.5%, a 1.4% increase from 2023. In 2024, women accounted for more than half of internal promotions (50.4%) and new hires (55.4%).
We maintain our commitment to eliminate any type of barrier that prevents people, men and women, from reaching their full potential, as well as to recognize and reward effort and talent fairly and equitably.
Juan Carlos Rondeau, Deputy General Manager of the Corporate People and Organization Area of MAPFRE
Rondeau added that the company has always applied a policy of effective equal opportunities for all workers and collaborators, as well as criteria based on the merit of people, “key so that they can develop personally and professionally and contribute the best of themselves.” To further solidify its dedication to gender equality, MAPFRE launched the #JuntosCerramosBrechas (TogetherWeCloseGaps) campaign in 2025, advocating for a strategy to close all types of gaps and promote talent in all the countries where it operates.
MAPFRE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is rooted in its Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy, established in 2015. The policy outlines objectives such as increasing the percentage of women in management positions to 36%. The company’s fourth Equality Plan, in effect until March 2027, includes measures across nine areas, encompassing a protocol for the prevention of sexual harassment, ongoing training and awareness-raising on equality and unconscious biases, and resources for victims of gender-based violence.
For further information, visit mapfre.com
About MAPFRE:
MAPFRE is a global insurance company with a presence in over 45 countries. They provide a range of insurance solutions, including auto, home, health, and life insurance, as well as reinsurance and asset management services. MAPFRE is committed to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility.
For further information, visit mawdy.com (If available; otherwise omit this section)
About MAWDY Asistencia:
MAWDY Asistencia is a subsidiary of MAPFRE Costa Rica, providing assistance services related to travel, health, and roadside emergencies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an enduring commitment to legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with a deep-rooted dedication to client service across a wide range of industries, positions it as a leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape. By actively empowering individuals and communities with accessible legal knowledge and resources, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and informed society.
