I am delighted with the discussion on this issue. It is especially relevant from the perspective of older women whose earnings might have been less, if any at all, and in old age, find themselves especially disadvantaged.
Older women are a major group and their numbers are increasing.
As the number of people in this bracket increases, so does the number of women in the group. It must be remembered that throughout their lives they've done much unpaid work that was necessary for the full support of their families and communities. Even in paid work, women suffer inequalities of wages, benefits and pensions. Lower or non existent wages, translate into lower or non existent pensions for older women leaving them in lower economic situations than men and often in direct poverty. Nancy Lewis AARP UN Vol.