Concerns about the gender pension gap continue to grow, with research from Now Pensions and Stand highlighting a combination of low awareness, financial insecurity, and structural inequality.

The research found that the gender pensions gap begins as soon as working life does, revealing that 4 per cent more men aged 18-24 already had pensions compared to women, rising to 14 per cent by retirement age.

There was some awareness of this, as the report found that just 25 per cent of women feel they're saving enough for retirement, compared to 36 per cent of men.

This disparity sharpens dramatically with age, as among those aged 65 and over, less than a quarter (22 per cent) of women are confident in their retirement savings, a "glaring" 18-percentage-point difference from the 41 per cent of men who feel secure.

However, the report argued that the problem isn't just about current savings; it's also about future knowledge, as 45 per cent of women don't know how much money they'd need for their desired retirement, compared to 40 per cent of men.

In addition to this, only half of UK adults believe the gender pensions gap exists.

Whilst awareness of the gender pension gap was higher among women (56 per cent) than men 43 per cent), the report warned that this still leaves millions unaware of a problem that will affect half the population.

The report also found that nearly half (46 per cent) of men feel knowledgeable about pensions, compared to less than a third (29 per cent) of women.

This is perhaps unsurprising given the conversations being had around pension finances, as the report found that more than a quarter (27 per cent) of adults believe conversations about pensions differ by gender.

Given this, report co-author and Now Pensions head of PR and campaigns, Samantha Gould, argued that this is "not just a financial issue, it’s a communications one".

"If people don’t see themselves in the stories we tell about money, or don’t understand the options available to them, they can’t take action," she continued.

"Everyone deserves the chance to build a secure future, no matter their gender. To make that a reality, we need to talk about money and pensions in a way that feels relevant, clear, and inclusive. When women understand their options, they take action. And when they take action, the whole system gets stronger. 

"Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen when we communicate differently. By breaking down barriers, sharing real stories, and pushing for a system that works for women as well as men, we can start to close the gap for good."

In addition to communication efforts, however, the report also stressed the need for systemic changes, pointing out that "career breaks, caring responsibilities, and a system that doesn’t reflect women’s realities only widen the divide".

Indeed, the report found that more than a quarter (26 per cent) of women have had to pause, reduce or opt out of pension contributions at some point in their lives.

And despite widespread advice about saving during career breaks — whether for travel, childcare or caring responsibilities — pensions are too often left out of the conversation.

According to the survey, 26 per cent of women did not know that taking leave from work would pause or stop pension contributions altogether, increasing to 31 per cent amongst women aged 18-24, and 34 per cent for women aged 45–54.

There is a strong appetite for change, however.

According to the report, 63 per cent of women want better financial education and tailored advice, and 62 per cent believe the government must do more to support women’s pensions — a view shared by less than half (43 per cent) of men.

Support for policy reform was particularly strong among women aged 35–44, with 72 per cent agreeing that stronger action is needed.

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