The Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, Anca Dragu participated in the roundtable “Diversity in financial leadership: policies, tools and strategies”, organised in Washington by OMFIF - Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum. The event highlighted the role of central banks and policymakers in promoting gender balance, diversity and inclusion in financial institutions.

Anca Dragu underlined the effectiveness of teams with a high level of diversity, noting that they deliver higher quality results than teams with low diversity. The Governor reported on NBM's policies to foster gender equality and inclusion, as well as her personal experience in career advancement and the significant impact she has had in her role as a political leader.

“The NBM invests in education and awareness-raising campaigns to combat stereotypes and promote inclusive behaviours, thus supporting the career advancement of all its employees through training programmes and leadership development,” stressed the NBM Governor in her speech.

Relevant statistics include the fact that 63% of the employees at the NBM are women, and the Executive Board shows gender parity, with two female members. At management level, 53% of positions are held by women, reflecting the NBM's commitment to gender balance and inclusion. Anca Dragu also referred to the role of partnerships between central banks, financial institutions and advocacy groups, which is essential in promoting diversity and inclusion.

“It is essential that we continue to collaborate, share best practices and support each other in promoting diversity in the financial sector,” concluded the NBM Governor.

Roundtable discussions focused on the 2024 edition of the OMFIF's annual Gender Balance Index report, which examines policies, standards and new strategies implemented to promote inclusion and equal opportunities and empower women in leadership positions. According to the report, Anca Dragu's promotion to the position of NBM Governor has moved the Republic of Moldova up the OMFIF gender balance index ranking from 15th to 72nd, making the country the fourth in the region to have a woman head the central bank.

The event brought together central bank governors, top representatives of commercial banks and sovereign wealth and pension funds in Washington.

The Governor, Anca Dragu, is in Washington, along with other colleagues from the NBM and the Minister of Finance, Petru Rotaru, for the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB).