Reforming social security for a long-life society: What impact on women?

As the populations of industrialized countries become progressively older, it becomes increasing apparent that traditional social security systems will have to be modified. This has sparked many questions about the future of social security systems. How can social security adapt to chaning family structures and the expected increase in retirees in a way not discriminating between men and women? to what extent will policy interventions impact differently on men and women? What is “fair” in terms of future pension contributions and benefits? This article attempts to address these questions. It reviews the main policy reforms countries have undertaken to address the long-life society challenge, considers the gender impact of such reforms and identifies the key questions policy-makers need to grapple with in ensuring fairness of outcome for men and women.