ECB launches EuroSteps walking challenge to promote women’s financial literacy

The European Central Bank (ECB) hosted an event on International Women’s Day focused on financial literacy and the gender gap. ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized the importance of financial literacy in empowering women to make informed financial decisions.

The event included a panel discussion with Yannis Stournaras, Governor of the Bank of Greece; Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank; and Tabea Bucher‑Koenen, Co‑Director of the Mannheim Institute of Financial Education. The discussion addressed the role of financial literacy in strengthening economic resilience and closing the gender gap, moderated by Patrick Jenkins of the Financial Times.

During the event, the ECB announced the launch of the EuroSteps Walking Challenge, a new initiative designed to promote financial literacy through daily step counting and bite-sized lessons accessible via smartphones. The challenge begins on April 1 and lasts four weeks, with participants eligible for prizes. Registration is open immediately, and participants will receive notifications with educational content in their language.

Building on previous commitments, the Eurosystem has established a central bank financial literacy network to develop a harmonized dataset and share initiatives and resources across Europe. More information is available on the ECB website. Photos of the event are accessible on the press photos webpage.