The Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG) ranked a high 12th out of 185 central banks in the world according to the Gender Equality Index.
Speaking at the roundtable "Representation and Power: Improving Gender Balance in Leadership", organized by the international organization OMFIF, the Governor of the Central Bank of Montenegro, Irena Radović, said that greater representation of women in leadership positions is not only an issue of equality, but also a prerequisite for inclusive and sustainable development.
"The CBCG ranked high at 12th place among central banks, which is a confirmation of its progress in the area of gender balance," the statement said.
The event presented the main findings of the Gender Balance Index 2025, a report that measures the representation of women in leadership positions in more than 300 financial institutions around the world, including 185 central banks.
Radović presented the initiatives of the Central Bank of Montenegro which, through financial education and support for access to financial services, contribute to creating a more inclusive and accessible financial environment and stated that political will, institutional consistency and support from the entire society are necessary to accelerate this process.
Radović, at the invitation of the World Bank, also attended the Women Lead initiative meeting, which brought together female leaders from the finance and public policy sectors. The meeting was an opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas on empowering women in leadership positions, with a shared message that inclusive leadership contributes to stronger economic development.
During the second day of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, Radović met with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde.
The meeting discussed the role of central banks in overcoming economic challenges and preserving the stability of the financial system. Special emphasis was placed on strengthening cooperation in the context of the CBCG's preparations for future membership in the European System of Central Banks (ESCB), through the process of harmonization with its standards and best practices.
On the sidelines of the Spring Meetings, Radović also met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Denmark, Signe Krogstrup, and the Vice Governors of the Central Bank of Sweden, Anna Seim, and the Central Bank of Finland, Marja Nikanen.
The focus of the discussion was on key aspects and challenges in the process of preparing the Central Bank of Montenegro for future ESCB membership, including further strengthening the Central Bank of Montenegro, as well as its organizational and functional transformation required for full compliance with the standards of this system.
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