Closing the pension gap between women and men: a goal that also requires changes to family rights

This article offers some reflections on possible developments in family pension rights, with a view to contributing to the current work of the Pensions Advisory Council on this subject, and in line with the objective enshrined in law during the latest reform to eliminate the gender pension gap by 2050. Before formulating any operational details of the reform, we believe it is essential to (finally) resolve several fundamental issues. Four in particular appear essential: Do we wish, above all, to address the impact of having children on careers, or should we also maintain a pro-birth policy? Does having had children justify entitlement to early retirement? Beyond the years spent raising children, do we also wish to compensate for the long-term impacts on careers? Finally, should compensation be higher for those on lower incomes, or should it be the same across all income levels?