GENDER AND GREEN TRANSITION GAPS IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMEs)

As global climate change concerns intensify, businesses bear a critical responsibility to develop effective strategies to mitigate environmental risk. This paper examines the vital role of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the green transition and investigates whether female leadership presents a plausible solution. We address gender discrepancy in environmental concern and leadership, arguing that narrowing the gender gap in business leadership could positively influence the design and implementation of corporate environmental policies. Analysis of available data reveals a significant gender gap at various organizational levels, suggesting that increased representation of businesswomen leaders might enhance environmental protection efforts within SMEs. We highlight specific social and political measures implemented in Romania relevant to this context. The paper concluded by discussing future implementation strategies, particularly by examining the digital sector of the economy where women are drastically underrepresented at multiple levels. We conclude by emphasizing the potential impact of women leaders on environmental sustainability, while also flagging the "gender-greenwashing" risk, defining it as a risk of appointment of a woman to a leadership role without corresponding substantive environmental or organizational change.