Pensions for women: Taking control of your financial future | Amundi HK Retail

Pensions for women: Taking control of your financial future

Pensions for women: Taking control of your financial future

Why women need better pensions

For many years, women have faced a significant pension gap. Despite generally living longer than men, women often retire with less money saved. 

This gap can feel daunting, but with the right knowledge and planning, you can take control and work toward a retirement filled with financial peace of mind. It all starts with a realistic and actionable plan to save for your retirement, which should be regularly reviewed and adjusted throughout your working life. 

What are your options?

pensions for women - what are your options

When it comes to pensions, most women have access to:

 

  • State Pension: Funded through your working life via social security contributions.
  • Workplace Pension: Often provided by your employer, with contributions from both you and your employer.
  • Private Pension: An additional pension you can set up yourself to boost your retirement savings.

You don’t have to choose just one. Understanding these pension types is important because women’s working patterns and pay can affect how much ends up in each pot.

Why do women often retire on less?

Despite these multiple pension routes, there are several factors behind women's lower pension savings. Lower pay, longer lifespans, and family-related working patterns can all cause differences in earnings and pensions. 

 

The OECD reported that the gap first appears between the ages of 25 and 34 (women have 8% less) and continues to widen with women aged 35-44 experiencing a gap of 30%, peaking at 34% at ages 55-641.

graph: Assets in retirement savings plans

Research also shows that women may have less confidence in managing pensions and investments, which can delay or limit their pension planning2.

These factors together have led to a retirement savings gap around 29%3 for women in Europe. Plus, since women live on average 5.3 years longer than men, saving enough for those extra years is crucial.

6 practical steps to close your pension gap

Whatever your age, every step counts. Here’s how to start: 

  1. Understand your options: What type of pensions are available—Are you already contributing? What options could you add?
  2. Start early: The best time to start saving, or saving more, into your pension is today as it can grow over time.
  3. Increase your contributions whenever you can—after a pay rise or returning from leave—as this is one of the fastest ways to close any pension gaps.
  4. Keep on paying in: Even if you’re on a career break, find out about continuing your pension payments. Small additions now will add up over the years.
  5. Choose the right investments: A pension plan that puts your money into different investments may help to balance the long-term growth of your pension.
  6. Review your plans: Use online tools or speak with a financial adviser to keep your pension plan on track. 

 

We’re here to help you take charge

With a bit of know-how, some sound advice and careful planning, you can work toward a retirement that’s aligned with your goals.

Select your life stage and build a retirement to look forward to

Unless otherwise stated, all information contained in this document is from Amundi Asset Management S.A.S. and is as of 13 November 2025. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. The views expressed regarding market and economic trends are those of the author and not necessarily Amundi Asset Management S.A.S. and are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that countries, markets or sectors will perform as expected. These views should not be relied upon as investment advice, a security recommendation, or as an indication of trading for any Amundi product. This material does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, fund units or services. Investment involves risks, including market, political, liquidity and currency risks. Past performance is not a guarantee or indicative of future results.

Date of first use: 13 November 2025

Doc ID: 4989832