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05/03/2019 | Document
Fiscal policy
Pensions

From beneficiaries to citizens: Access by and treatment of women in Latin American pension systems

Women make up a majority of older adults but, with a few exceptions, they are underrepresented among the pensioned population. Women aged 65 and above are less likely than their male peers to receive a pension or any form of retirement benefit. Although the region has made progress with inclusion through non-contributory pensions, the benefits such pensions provide are among the lowest and they do not enable women to overcome poverty.

The comprehensive incorporation of the gender dimension in the design of pension system reforms is a challenge. Including women in pension systems is essential for addressing the new structure of the age pyramid, the demand and need for economic autonomy and the exercise of rights. It is also a requirement for ensuring that those systems are sustainable.