Daniela Tolici

Bank Deposit Guarantee Fund, Romania

Title: Gender Dynamics and Sustainability Outcomes in the Romanian Financial Sector

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Biography

Daniela Tolici is an Organizational Strategist with a rich professional journey spanning over 20 years. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to enhancing organizational performance through strategic business planning, change management, and sustainable development.

Currently serving as Advisor to the Director of Romanian Bank Deposit Guarantee Fund, she strives to establish and prioritize business objectives while offering invaluable insights into strategic matters. Her expertise lies in organizational development, with a keen interest in sustainability, gender diversity, and best practices within the financial sector. Her academic journey includes an MBA from the University of Wales, UK, and a PhD Diploma in Knowledge Management. Additionally, she shares her knowledge and passion for Change Management and Organizational Development as an Associate Professor at the NUPSPA University, Bucharest, Romania. Daniela firmly believes that a collective effort can make a lasting impact and shape a future where organizations thrive while embracing positive change and diversity.

Abstract

This study encapsulates the transformative potential of gender diversity and inclusivity within the Romanian financial sector. Policymakers and stakeholders play pivotal roles in fostering gender equity, aligning with a future where sustainability is paramount, highlighting the strategic advantage of embracing gender diversity. The primary objectives of our research encompass understanding the intricate interplay between gender dynamics, climate risks, and sustainability within the Romanian financial sector, offering actionable insights to bridge disparities and advance gender equality and sustainability. The scope includes analyzing the impact of gender diversity on sustainability outcomes, identifying persistent gender inequalities, and examining challenges in addressing gender disparities. The research employs an empirical approach, through extensive data analysis, delineating the necessity for a holistic approach to women's economic empowerment within the Romanian financial sector. It emphasizes four identified gaps and sets corresponding research hypotheses to investigate these gaps comprehensively. The gaps encompass the integration of the gender lens theory into sustainability in finance, quantitative analysis of gender-related financial performance, exploration of gender-inclusive policies and sustainable investments, and understanding the intersection of gender, climate risks, and risk assessment. The research employs a robust mixed-methods approach to test these hypotheses, combining quantitative analysis of financial data with qualitative assessments of institutional policies and practices. Notably, the study concludes that gender diversity, gender-sensitive risk assessment,

gender-inclusive policies, and mitigating gender disparities are integral components of achieving sustainable financial outcomes. The implications emphasize the regulatory landscape's role in incentivizing and steering financial institutions towards embracing gender-inclusive and sustainable practices, thereby fostering a more equitable and sustainable financial landscape in Romania. This research aims to not only enrich the academic understanding of these critical intersections but also provide actionable insights for financial institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders in fostering sustainability through gender-inclusive approaches.