UNECE policy brief on ageing 2: gender equality, work and old age

Elderly women outnumber elderly men in all countries of the UNECE region. They are more likely to live in poverty, be affected by disability and restrictions of mobility. Many elderly women are widows and at an economic disadvantage. To tailor adequate social policies to respond to an increasingly ageing society, it is important to take into account these gender differences.This policy brief follows a mainstreaming “gender and ageing” approach, and offers information for a variety of related policies.

The paper notes that mainstreaming ageing and mainstreaming gender are interlinked. Furthermore, the paper deems that national anti-discrimination legislation should be promoted. Overall, the paper concludes the following:

• the need to adopt a life-course approach when dealing with the inter-connections of ageing and gender arises from that present circumstances of older people can be understood by references to their prior life-course
• it is desirable that men and women are able to form their family and work lives during their working age period, avoiding risking their security in old age
• promoting the labour force participation of women throughout the life cycle is a key measure to be taken for enhancing security for women in older age
• accordingly, the participation of women in the labour market in the same way as men do should be encouraged
• considering that elderly women are more likely to live in poverty and to be affected by disability, it is important to take into account these gender differences when formulating concerned policies
• in like manner, laws and regulations promoting “equal pay” help reduce inequality between men and women in personal pensions
• women who decide to take a career break due to caring responsibilities should enjoy social security in old age
• day care services create an opportunity for men and women to find employment on a gender-equal basis
• working-age family members need to have the opportunity of assistance when undertaking caring tasks
• greater involvement of men in care duties is highly recommended