At the second Romania-Moldova Economic Forum in Chisinau, National Bank of Moldova Governor Anca Dragu highlighted unequal access to finance and leadership roles as barriers to women’s economic participation. She said the central bank monitors access to credit for women and women-led businesses, linking broader participation in financial decision-making to economic growth and institutional resilience. Dragu moderated a discussion with Moldova Investment Agency Director Natalia Bejan on the economic cost of gender inequality, workplace challenges and structural obstacles to women’s advancement. The session accompanied the presentation of the 2026 Women’s Entrepreneurship and Leadership Index, which tracks women’s access to resources, finance, entrepreneurial education and decision-making positions. Dragu also highlighted the central bank’s women’s leadership community and a recently launched mentoring program for students and pupils over age 16 interested in finance, banking, investment and public administration.