Education & Training
Let us bridge the gender gap in financial literacy: the EuroSteps Walking Challenge
Published on 24 March 2026
On 2 March 2026, Christine Lagarde announced at the European Central Bank the launch of EuroSteps – a pan-European initiative designed to bridge the gender gap in financial literacy.
Summary
On 2 March 2026, Christine Lagarde announced at the European Central Bank the launch of EuroSteps – a pan-European initiative designed to bridge the gender gap in financial literacy.
Why financial literacy matters
We often think of money management as just ‘understanding numbers,’ but it’s actually the blueprint for your long-term freedom. True financial literacy gives you the power to handle surprises, plan for the future, and secure your peace of mind. Without it, you’re leaving your financial security and your retirement.
Bridging the confidence gap
The gender investment gap is not a myth, it is a data-driven reality. Eurostat and ECB studies show that European women are significantly underinvested compared to their male counterparts, highlighting a critical barrier to long-term wealth equality : only about 28% of women in the euro area feel confident in their financial knowledge, compared to 45% of men.
This “confidence gap” often prevents women from entering the stock market, even though research shows that when women do invest, they often achieve better or more stable returns than men. In the EU, men are still significantly more likely to hold investment assets, leaving a substantial portion of women’s savings in low-interest bank accounts, where they lose value to inflation.
28%
of women in the euro area feel confident in their financial knowledge.
Why EuroSteps?
We know life is busy. That is why EuroSteps lives on your phone and moves with you. The challenge combines daily physical activity with bite-sized lessons, making learning about money simple, accessible and part of your routine. Step by step, we are not just walking, we are closing the gap.
Financial literacy shapes choices across an entire lifetime. Closing this gap matters because it empowers women to take control of their financial lives.
Christine Lagarde
President of the European Central Bank
Registration
Registration is open for the four-week step-counting challenge, officially kicking off on 1 April. Everyone who takes part has a chance to win a prize.
You are welcome to sign up at any time. Once the challenge starts, you will receive two or three short notifications each week in your native language. These messages will share easy-to-follow financial tips along with links to helpful national resources.
What about the ABBL?
The ABBL co-founded the Women in Finance Charter in 2023 and reinforced the banking sector’s commitment to enhancing gender diversity and fostering a more inclusive environment within Luxembourg’s financial centre.
The ABBL works alongside other leading financial bodies to encourage greater representation of women at all levels, particularly in senior and board positions. This commitment is crucial in addressing the growing demand for specialised talent in the financial services sector.
The Charter, supported by the Ministry of Finance, requires signatories to set specific internal targets and publicly report on their progress, ensuring tangible action towards improved gender balance and inclusivity across Luxembourg’s financial industry.
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Jessica Thyrion
Adviser – financial education, ABBL
Published on 24 March 2026