OECD countries continue to face persistent gender inequalities in social and economic life. Young women often achieve higher levels of education than young men but remain underrepresented in fields with the most lucrative careers. Women dedicate more time to unpaid work, face a hefty maternity penalty, encounter obstacles to entrepreneurship, and generally fare worse in labor markets. They are also underrepresented in politics and in leadership positions in the civil service. These elements permeate many policy areas and economic sectors, from international trade and development assistance to energy and environment, where policy often lacks a strong gender focus. Violence against women, the most abhorrent manifestation of gender inequality, is still a global predicament. This publication discusses developments and policies for gender equality, such as gender mainstreaming and budgeting, reforms to increase parental involvement in parental leave and childcare, pay transparency initiatives to address gender pay gaps, and systems to address gender-based violence. In the area of pensions in particular, chapter 22 of the study analyses gender gaps in asset-backed pension schemes.

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