Women and Retirement Income: A life-course perspective on policy solutions

Abstract

Men’s KiwiSaver balances are on average 25% higher than women’s. Through a life-course approach, this article identifies six critical stages where policy interventions could improve women’s retirement income outcomes and reduce that gap: formal education and training, work, relationship status, parenting, housing tenure, and retirement. Drawing on data and evidence from New Zealand and overseas, the article argues that more coordinated interventions across these critical life stages could improve equity between women and men at retirement. The analysis reveals that while women and men start with similar incomes at age 15–19, the pay gap widens progressively through each life stage, creating cumulative disadvantage by retirement age.