Protecting Women's Income Security in Old Age : Toward Gender-responsive Pension Systems / United Nations Women.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

United Nations Women.

Series:

UN Women Policy Briefs ; no.3.

UN Women Policy Briefs ; no.3

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Women and Gender Issues.

Local Subjects:

Women and Gender Issues.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (4 pages).

Place of Publication:

New York : United Nations, 2015.

System Details:

text file

Summary:

This brief synthesizes research findings, analysis and policy recommendations on transforming pension systems to reduce gender gaps and protect women's income security in old age. Ageing has a female face. Women not only live longer than men but are also less likely to enjoy income security and economic independence in old age. Because of a lifetime of economic disadvantage, older women end up with lower incomes and less access to land, housing and other assets that would help them maintain an adequate standard of living. In addition, pension systems grossly fail to produce equal outcomes for women. In most countries, women are less likely than men to receive a pension at all, or they have lower benefits. Gendered labour market and life course patterns lie at the roots of women's disadvantage in old age, but their impact can be magnified or mitigated by specific features of pension system design. This brief takes a closer look at these features and shows how pension systems can be transformed to reduce gender gaps and protect women's income security in old age.

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.