SallyDunbar
Mrs.Dunbar
GWNZ
13 March 2025: Do Older Women Have Economic and Social Rights?
Parallel event.
• International Council of Jewish Women
• HelpAge International
• The Foundation for Studies and Research on Women
• National Council on Aging
Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Violence against women, Women and poverty, Women and health
SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Bullying (2016), Disability (2016), Harassment (2016), Tolerance of Minority Groups (2016), A Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment is a Human Right (2022)
This session aligns closely with Graduate Women New Zealand's (GWNZ) advocacy work, particularly in promoting lifelong education, gender equality, and economic security for women at all stages of life. GWNZ supports policies and initiatives that empower women through education, professional development, and leadership opportunities, ensuring that they can contribute meaningfully to society regardless of age.
The discussion reinforced the importance of lifelong learning, a core principle of GWNZ’s advocacy, by addressing the need for older women to have access to educational resources, upskilling opportunities, and digital literacy programs. This ensures they remain engaged in the workforce, financially independent, and active in their communities.
GWNZ’s advocacy extends to promoting intergenerational support, mentorship, and opportunities for knowledge-sharing between older and younger women. This session’s emphasis on intergenerational equity and policy inclusion further supports GWNZ’s ongoing work to shape a future where education, financial security, and gender equality are accessible to all women and girls.
This virtual parallel event at CSW69/Beijing+30 examined the economic and social status of older women since the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. While the Beijing Platform advanced women's rights, older women remain overlooked in gender equality discussions.
The session explored progress over three decades, barriers to economic security and social inclusion, and strategies to enhance protections for older women. Discussions focused on policies addressing poverty reduction, financial independence, access to services, and recognition of older women's contributions in both paid and unpaid roles.
The panel discussion covered three key perspectives:
– Yesterday – Reviewing commitments made during the 1995 Beijing Conference
– Today – Examining older women's current financial realities and contributions
– Tomorrow – Exploring efforts to strengthen economic security and social protections
Speakers included Judy Lear on older women's role in the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, Tanvi Patel on their current economic and social status, and Mabel Bianco on the future of older women in relation to the 2030 Agenda and SDGs, with Ramsey Alwin moderating.
Despite progress, older women remain disproportionately affected by financial insecurity, age discrimination, and exclusion from economic opportunities. Many lack stable housing, struggle with financial independence, and are expected to rely on family. Forty-four percent of women over 65 do not have sufficient pension income. Many continue working in informal jobs beyond retirement age without government protections. On average, older women spend 3.5 hours daily on unpaid caregiving, limiting pension eligibility.
Older women also face systemic age discrimination, restricting access to employment, financial services, and policymaking roles. Though seven major UN documents address women's rights, older women are explicitly mentioned in only three.
Governments and organisations must strengthen social protection systems, expand pension coverage, improve healthcare access, and provide microfinance options. Recognising unpaid caregiving as formal labour with financial benefits is essential. Addressing age discrimination, increasing financial inclusion, and ensuring representation in global policies will help older women age with dignity, security, and confidence. Aging should not mean invisibility or economic hardship.
{How can the session serve GWI members on local. national and/or international levels?:15}
Graduate Women International (GWI) and Graduate Women New Zealand (GWNZ) can play a key role in ensuring that learning is accessible at every stage of life. Lifelong education is not just about career advancement but also about personal development, confidence building, and self-investment. For those who are retired, education offers opportunities to explore new areas of interest, remain engaged in society, and continue contributing in meaningful ways.
To support these efforts, GWI and GWNZ can advocate for inclusive educational policies that recognise learning as a continuous process. This includes promoting programs that support older women in developing new skills, improving digital literacy, and accessing financial and personal development resources. Community learning initiatives, mentorship programs, and peer networks can provide spaces for retired women to connect, share knowledge, and stay engaged.
Collaboration opportunities exist with universities, government agencies, and private organisations to develop courses and workshops specifically designed for older learners. Partnerships with advocacy groups working on financial security and social protection can also strengthen the support systems available to women as they age.
GWI and GWNZ can encourage intergenerational learning models, where older and younger women exchange skills and experiences. This fosters mutual growth and ensures that knowledge is not lost but instead shared across generations. By promoting a culture of continuous learning, women can build confidence, maintain independence, and stay actively involved in their communities, regardless of age.
