Gender equality in European pensions systems

The purpose of the paper is that of emphasize the most relevant features of direct and indirect gender discrimination in the statutory and occupational old-age pension systems in Europe, following the Report on Direct and Indirect Gender Discrimination in Old-Age Pensions in 33 European Countries of the European Commission Network Of Legal Experts In The Field Of Gender Equality. This with the aim of offering a contribution to the reinforcement of the effectiveness of the principle of gender equality in the field of old-age pensions. The crucial features, as regards gender equality, of the statutory old age pension system will be examined, such as qualifying conditions, pension amount, derived rights, caring credits, exceptions to directive 79/7/EEC. Furthermore, the occupational old age pensions schemes will be analysed on the light of gender equality; to this purpose, attention will be paid to: coverage, calculation of benefits and contributions, use of actuarial factors, caring credits, vesting and reimbursement rules, pensionable age. Finally, possible answers to gender inequalities in the old age pensions system will be put forward and the role of the principle of equality as an important instrument in attaining common standards in social protection will be highlighted.