Banca Transilvania has stood by the Romanian community in Italy, the Mereu Aproape Foundation, the community SHERO and the Romanian Embassy in Italy, as part of the "Love Wears Red Shoes" campaign, dedicated to raising awareness and preventing violence against women.
The event took place on September 12 in Rome and included two symbolic moments – a flashmob organized on the Terrazza del Pincio and an open dialogue hosted by the Romanian Embassy in Italy about courage, solidarity, and the community’s role in supporting women in vulnerable situations.
Red shoes, the international symbol of the fight against violence towards women, represent strength, confidence, and the courage to take the first step towards change for the SHERO community.
During the event, Banca Transilvania highlighted an aspect that can make a difference: financial independence. Access to financial education, the ability to manage one’s own resources, and the freedom to make decisions contribute to economic growth and women’s confidence.
I believe financial independence begins the moment you can say: I know what I have, I know what I can do, I know I can decide for myself. In over 20 years of banking, I have seen many women take exactly this path. Some started with very little, others built extraordinary businesses. Some saved for their children’s education. There are many stories behind the word diaspora – about courage, longing, work, sacrifice. Women who learned a new language, worked, raised children, cared for parents, financially supported families left in Romania. Sometimes they took care of everyone, and they deserve to be reminded from time to time that they need to take care of themselves too.
Oana Ilaș
Deputy General Manager Retail Banking
Banca Transylvania
By getting involved in this initiative, Banca Transilvania reaffirms its support for projects that help build a stronger, safer, and more united community, both in Romania and in the diaspora.
