PWN Romania: Empowering Women, Transforming Boards - PWN Romania's Commitment to Gender-Balanced Leadership

Published on April 17, 2025 by Rebecca Fountain

Since its inception in 2011, the Professional Women’s Network (PWN) Romania has been at the forefront of driving gender-balanced leadership. As a proud member of PWN Global, the organization has grown both in scale and impact, fostering a dynamic community of over 360 senior executives and entrepreneurs across diverse industries. Led by a dedicated team of volunteers, PWN Romania is committed to empowering women through its three core pillars: Entrepreneurship, Mentoring, and Women on Boards (WoB).

Accelerating Change: The Women on Boards Initiative

At PWN Romania, we believe that diverse leadership leads to stronger businesses and a more equitable society. Our Women on Boards (WoB) initiative is designed to equip women with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to secure and excel in Board roles. By offering targeted education, mentoring, and advocacy, we are actively reshaping boardrooms across Romania and beyond.

Women on Boards Academy: Bridging Knowledge and Leadership

Our flagship Women on Boards Academy is a nine-month program dedicated to professional and personal development for aspiring and current Board members. Now in its sixth edition, the Academy provides a deep dive into key governance principles, sustainability, leadership, and the role of Boards in driving company performance. With over 165 graduates, 170 expert speakers, and 250 hours of learning, the Academy is a powerhouse for Board-readiness.

Mentoring Women on Boards: Learning from Experience

Beyond formal education, our Mentoring Women on Boards program offers invaluable peer-to-peer learning. Designed for women who aspire to Board roles or are newly appointed members, this program connects them with seasoned Board professionals. Since its launch in 2021, 25 mentees have benefited from hands-on guidance, industry insights, and strategic networking.

Building a Talent Pipeline: Board Ready Women Initiative

Through the Board Ready Women Initiative, we identify and promote high-potential female leaders, ensuring a strong pipeline of candidates ready for Board appointments. By maintaining a curated database of qualified women, we actively connect talent with opportunities, challenging the outdated narrative that Board-ready women are hard to find.

Driving Systemic Change: Women Boardship Alliance

Achieving gender-balanced leadership requires more than individual success—it demands systemic change. Our Women Boardship Alliance advocates for policy reforms and corporate commitments to gender parity. We actively support the implementation of EU Directives on gender balance in Boardrooms and equal pay, partnering with organizations like European Women on Boards, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Center for International Private Enterprise to amplify our impact.

Insights that Matter: Research & Advocacy

Data is a powerful driver of change. In collaboration with Deloitte Romania, we have conducted research on women’s representation in corporate governance, tracking progress and highlighting areas for improvement. Our latest study (2022) examined trends from 2015-2020, shedding light on how economic shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced gender diversity in leadership.

A Global Movement: International Collaborations

PWN Romania’s impact extends far beyond national borders. We actively collaborate with other PWN city networks and women’s organizations worldwide. A prime example is our partnership with PWN Milan, where we provided strategic guidance in launching their Women on Boards program. Our mentorship exchange program further strengthens these global ties, bringing together professional women from Kenya, Malaysia, and across Europe to share best practices and accelerate change.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women on Boards

In an ever-changing world, adaptability and resilience are key. As we continue to expand our programs, we remain committed to leveraging technology, sustainability, and community-building to advance gender-balanced leadership. With each initiative, partnership, and success story, we reaffirm our role as a leader in professional development and Board diversity.

Join us in shaping the future of leadership. Together, we are creating a world where every talented woman has a seat at the table.






Author: Violeta Ciurel, VP Women on Boards, PWN Romania
Copy edited by: Rebecca Fountain, Marketing Consultant, PWN Global
Publication date: April 2025