Bucharest, May 6th,  2025 – ARIR (the Romanian Investor Relations Association), the promoter of the Investor Relations concept in Romania has launched, in partnership with the National Agency for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men (ANES), the Practical Guide for Gender Balance in the Leadership of Listed Companies, drafted by professionals from ARIR, ANES, the Association of Independent Directors, Professional Women’s Network Romania, and ACCA Romania. The document is useful for companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, in the context of the transposition of Directive (EU) 2022/2381 into national legislation through Law no. 11/2025. 

The document provides an applicable and updated framework for achieving the minimum goals set by the law: 

• 40% of non-executive director positions or 

• 33% of all director positions must be held by members of the underrepresented gender. 

The Guide includes: 

• recommendations for updating constitutive documents, ethics policies, and selection processes; 

• examples of good practices, including models from international companies such as AXA; 

• progress monitoring indicators and suggestions for transparent reporting to the ASF and investors; 

• solutions for promoting talent through mentoring and training. 

Daniela Maior, President and Co-Founder, ARIR: 

“This guide proposes actions beyond mere regulatory compliance – it supports ways in which we can build more effective, more diverse, and more adaptable boards of directors, aligned with current realities. We see it as an opportunity to move to a new stage in the evolution of listed companies or those interested in listing.” 

Luminița Popescu, Secretary of State, National Agency for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men: 

“Gender balance in leadership positions is not just a matter of social justice, but also an economic imperative. Diversity brings different perspectives, fosters innovation, and contributes to more effective corporate governance. This practical guide provides companies with a concrete tool to integrate the principles of equal opportunity into organizational culture. The National Agency for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men consistently supports initiatives that promote inclusion, gender equality, and equitable access to decision-making positions, actively collaborating with institutional partners and organizations.” 

The guide is addressed to listed companies, as well as to all organizations that wish to improve gender balance in leadership structures. It is a voluntary but strategic tool that can turn diversity into a competitive advantage. 

The guide can be accessed via this link. 

During the debate, representatives of ANES, partner parliamentary committees, together with investors, listed companies, board members, opinion leaders, and governance experts will discuss practical aspects of implementing the new legislative provisions and supporting gender balance in the management of listed companies over the long term. 

The launch event of the guide takes place at the Romanian Senate, starting at 9:30 AM, and can be watched live using this link. The event will consist of a structured debate featuring contributions from over 40 speakers, including institutional decision-makers, representatives of listed companies, organizations active in the field of corporate governance, and investors. 

*** 

​​     ​ 

​​About the Romanian Investor Relations Association (ARIR):​  

ARIR is the promoter of the Investor Relations (IR) concept in Romania and we believe that by following standards of transparency, corporate governance and proactivity in communicating with investors, our members will benefit from added value, attract funding more easily, have the reputation and trust necessary for the continued development of their business.  

The Romanian Investor Relations Association – ARIR was founded at the initiative of Daniela Maior (Șerban) in November 2018 together with the founding members: Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB), ALRO, Franklin Templeton Management – Bucharest, Hidroelectrica, Nuclearelectrica, Teraplast, Transelectrica, and Tony Romani. The following companies have joined the community: Electrica, OMV Petrom, Antibiotice, Purcari, BRK Financial Group, Banca Transilvania, Transgaz, MedLife, Romcarbon, Farmaceutica REMEDIA, Autonom, IMPACT Developer & Contractor, Transport Trade Services, Patria Bank, BRD – Groupe Société Générale, Rompetrol, Agista, Mecanica Fină, AQUILA, Mecanica Fină, Bento, ROMGAZ, DN AGRAR, Sphera Franchise Group and ROCA Industry as Associate Members. ENVISIA, RTPR, Forvis Mazars, and Marsh Broker de Asigurare – Reasigurare became Affiliated Members.  

More information about ARIR: www.ir-romania.ro.   

Follow us on  LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.  

About the National Agency for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men (ANES): 

The National Agency for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men (ANES) is a specialized public institution within the central public administration, subordinated to the Government of Romania and coordinated by the Prime Minister’s Chancellery. It is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing strategies and policies in the field of equal opportunities and treatment between women and men, as well as in the field of preventing and combating domestic violence. 

ANES’s mission is to promote the principle of equal opportunities and treatment between women and men, with the aim of eliminating all forms of discrimination and preventing and combating domestic violence by implementing measures, policies, and programs tailored to the needs of victims.