BR Exclusive: Successful Romanian women send inspirational messages on March 8, International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, BR spoke to some of the most successful women in the business environment or administration in Romania and asked them to send an inspiring message to the other women in the country about what it means to be a woman today, how to be strong and independent and how to follow their dreams. 

Viorica Dancila, Prime Minister of Romania 

“March 8 is the day when we celebrate women, both from the state’s perspective and their role in society, as well as the personal perspective: mother, daughter, wife, sister. Ever since the International Women’s Day was established, on March 8, 1977, through the UN’s General Assembly’s resolution, and until today, many transformations have taken place, which have brought positive changes in women’s rights.

Social and economic challenges of recent years have brought to light the important role of women in society. Women make up a growing part of the workforce in our society and continue to play the traditional role in their families almost as much as they did in the past. New research confirms the economic and social benefit of women’s equal participation in the labour market and their essential contribution to general well-being, a finding that, in my opinion, legitimates the growing access of women to important roles in the state, a tendency which Romania has also followed. Here I would give the example of the government I am leading, where I am glad to be collaborating with no fewer than eight female ministers.

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Equality between men and women is therefore a pillar of cohesive, productive, future-oriented societies. Romania is actively involved in international efforts to promote gender equality. A practical example is the recent “HeForShe” UN Women Campaign, which has the purpose of involving men by taking a stand and promoting actions in favour of gender equality, and stopping violence against women.

As Prime Minister, I firmly support this solidarity movement out of conviction that equality of opportunity is a human right, and stopping violence against women is imperative. This motivated me during my activity as a member of the European Parliament, when I was part of the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Commission, and will continue to motivate me. I started my term as PM with a set of legislative measures meant to stop domestic violence. I personally follow the debates and I will closely look at the implementation of these measures.

My message today is a call for solidarity and unity, values that we need to redefine in society. Happy Women’s Day to women in Romania and around the world!”

Gilda Lazar – Director Corporate Affairs & Communications at JT International Romania

“While watching a news report on the building of schools for girls and women in Africa, what was surprising was the belief of the man in charge of the project, who said: ‘when you educate a man, you educate a single person; but if you educate a woman, you educate the entire society.’ This is a thought that encompasses very well the role of women.

I am convinced, and I tell that to my female coworkers whenever I have the chance, that we offer families and societies a model of balance, empathy, constructive collaboration and, not least, efficiency. I have never been disadvantaged in my professional life for being a woman. On the contrary, being a woman helped me. A smile and a warm voice sometimes mean more than 100 rational arguments.

One cannot talk about gender equality, because we are totally different. And therein lies the advantage, that our visions that are apparently at odds, are complementary. We can talk about equal opportunities, but success is only up to us. It is the duty of women who feel fulfilled to talk about their success, to be models and to inspire. Therefore, you can do it!”

Nicoleta Schroeder – General Manager Uber Romania

“I want my message today to be about resilience. One of the most important lessons I learnt during my MBA, while starting a business from scratch, becoming a mom and later joining Uber is that good things don’t come easy.

You will face setbacks, you’ll be scrutinized, and yes, sometimes you will fail. And that is perfectly fine, as long as you don’t let things get you down and continue to go forward.

And, at the end of the day, most of the strongest and most resilient people I know are women. Be they stay-at-home moms or C-suite e

xecutives, they are role models for all of us and we should celebrate them more often, not just today. ”

Anca Harasim, President of AmCham Romania

“There is one day every year when we celebrate women, femininity and their contribution in the world.

On such occasion, we should all remember how far we’ve come in which concerns voting, being elected, conditions in the working place, motherhood conditions or deciding on one’s life choices.”

Anca Dragu – former Finance Minister

Hortensia Nastase, Vice President Creative Services, Lowe Group

“I believe women’s role in today’s society should be just as important as men’s and this is what gender equality should look like. Even though there are still several fields and activities perceived by some as male-dominated – even in cultures that promote diversity and equality, real improvements have been made over the last years and I am confident that 2018 and the years to come will be truly game-changing in this regard.

As for the business environment, women have had a huge contribution to its development at least over the last decades, both globally and locally. I know and admire many women that have been successfully creating, leading and reshaping businesses – entrepreneurs, CEOs, top managers, experts etc. So the days when some of us used to say “Behind every great man there is a great woman” are over. Great women are everywhere and they have the power and courage to stay upfront and stand out, to have successful careers and fulfilling lives, to lead companies, follow their passions and drive inspiration.”

Miruna Suciu, managing partner at law firm Suciu Popa

“In Romania, women are not disadvantaged. They get into key positions within companies in various industries”. She said that in her activity from the past 20 years in the legal field, she has met a lot of successful women, including entrepreneurs.

Suciu cited studies according to which the wage gap between males and females in very small in Romania, with the country faring much better compared to other markets.

“It all depends on the individual,” said Suciu, explaining that a person will succeed based on determination and hard work, no matter if we are talking about a man or a woman.

Suciu Popa has at present 23 lawyers, out of which 65 percent are women.

Monica Biota, Audit Partner, PwC Romania

“I think that one of the most important preoccupations of the modern woman is the way in which it can combine the personal and professional life. And this is more pronounced in the case of women than men because their responsibilities don’t end when leaving work. Many of them are also mothers, and if they aren’t, they want to become, and according to a recent PwC study, women believe this can harm their careers. This study points out that a large share of women is interested in striking a balance between the demands of the career and the personal/family guide.

The role of the woman shouldn’t be reduced the business or family level. The involvement of women is necessary in as many areas of the society as possible. Why not, even at a political level. In Romania, the role of women in the public life is becoming more significant, a good thing that has to continue.

The world of the future, not just in business, has to be one in which the differences in career opportunities between males and females shouldn’t exist. Not only when it comes to pay, but also when it comes to promotion or the allocation of important projects. This goal shouldn’t fall solely on the shoulders of women, on the contrary, men have to be near women to achieve this. This is why at global level PwC joined the ONU HeforShe initiative, which aims to mobilize one billion men and boys as agents of change, in order to end the inequality faced by women and girls,” said Monica Biota.