The Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, Ms Anca Dragu, highlighted the importance of gender equality as a direct factor impacting economic development, during the “FinanciarELE - Women Leadership Community” event, held today as part of Global Money Week 2026.

The conference brought together over 150 women from academia and the “Women of Moldova” Alliance for an open dialogue on female leadership, education, and the role of women in the economy.

“Gender equality in the economic sphere is not only a matter of social responsibility but also a crucial condition for financial stability and sustainable growth. When women have equal access to education, financial services, resources, and decision-making positions, the entire economy becomes more resilient and competitive. Our role as an institution is to remove structural barriers and encourage an environment where female leadership is the norm,” emphasised Ms Anca Dragu.

The conference featured special guests, including Natalia Gașițoi, Rector of the Alecu Russo Bălți State University, Iana Stanțieru, President of the “Women of Moldova” Alliance, and Irina Chițu, a financial education expert from Romania. They shared their professional experiences and encouraged young participants to pursue careers in the financial sector, trust in their abilities, and continually invest in their professional development.

“Female leadership means competence, courage, and responsibility carried with dignity. We encourage ladies to believe in their potential, to have the courage to move forward, to keep learning, to lead, and to transform competence into the force that changes destinies, characters, and society,” said Ms Natalia Gașițoi.

“Financial independence for women is essential not only for their professional development but also for their ability to make important decisions about their careers and lives. When women have financial knowledge, they have more confidence, freedom, and control over their future. In the Republic of Moldova, where women represent about 52% of the population, their active participation in the economy is not just a matter of equality, but also one of economic development. An economy where women are financially educated and professionally active is a stronger, more stable, and more prosperous economy,” highlighted Ms Iana Stanțieru.

“Female leadership in finance means not just representation, but also perspective, responsibility, and the courage to contribute to decisions shaping the economic future. Initiatives like the “FinanciarELE” conference create the necessary space for dialogue, inspiration, and professional and personal development. I firmly believe in the principle I promote and in my financial education guide: “The Secret of Money” is “Invest constantly in YOURSELF.” When women invest in knowledge, confidence, and personal development, they become not only more financially independent but also leaders who inspire entire communities,” stated Ms Irina Chițu.

The discussions also addressed the challenges women face in the financial sector, the importance of balanced representation in leadership roles, and the impact of gender dimensions on economic development. Participants analysed ways to overcome gender stereotypes, focusing on developing leadership skills, mentorship, and creating more inclusive professional environments.

Data shows that gender equality remains a challenge, even in the financial sector. In financial companies in the Republic of Moldova, the number of women is approximately 3.5 times higher than that of men, but wage disparities persist, disadvantaging women. International analyses confirm that reducing these gaps has a significant economic impact: according to World Bank estimates, if women participated in the formal economy as much as men, per capita income could increase by almost 20%, and globally, eliminating the gender gap could generate up to $7 trillion in the global economy.

The “FinanciarELE - Women Leadership Community” project, launched by the NBM in March 2025, aims to strengthen the financial and leadership skills of women. The initiative promotes equal opportunities and encourages active female participation in the economy through financial education programs, mentorship, and professional support.

This event is part of the International Financial Education Week program – Global Money Week 2026, an annual campaign organized globally under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with 176 participating countries, including the Republic of Moldova. The 14th edition of the initiative, held from 16–22 March 2026, carries the slogan “Smart Money Talks” and aims to encourage young people to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours necessary to make responsible and well-founded financial decisions.