Abstract

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.