Tuesday, 21 April 2026
Women across the European Union continue to receive significantly lower pensions than men, although the gap remains comparatively narrow in the Czech Republic, according to the latest data from Eurostat.
On average, women aged over 65 receive around a quarter less in pension income than men across the EU. The disparity varies widely between countries, with the largest gaps recorded in Malta at roughly 40 percent, followed by Netherlands and Austria at around 36 percent. Differences remain elevated in France and Germany, where the gap exceeds one quarter.
By contrast, the Czech Republic reports a significantly smaller difference of approximately ten percent, placing it among the countries with the lowest gender pension disparities in the bloc. Similar levels are observed in Hungary, while even narrower gaps are recorded in Slovakia and Estonia.
According to Ondřej Kozel, CEO of investment platform Fingood, the relatively small difference in the Czech Republic reflects structural features of the labour market and pension system. Lower prevalence of part-time work compared with Western Europe and a more redistributive pension model contribute to narrowing the gap between men and women.
At the end of last year, the Czech Social Security Administration was paying approximately 2.35 million old-age pensions, with the average monthly pension reaching CZK 21,094. Meanwhile, average gross wages stood at CZK 49,215, highlighting the gap between working income and retirement income.
Despite the relatively smaller disparity, women across Europe remain more exposed to financial vulnerability in retirement. In most EU countries, the risk of falling into poverty is higher among female pensioners, reflecting lower lifetime earnings and career interruptions.
Kozel notes that even in markets where the gap is less pronounced, such as the Czech Republic, pensions often fall short of maintaining pre-retirement living standards. This underscores the growing importance of private savings and investment as a complement to state pension systems.
Interest in investing among women has been increasing, with female investors now accounting for roughly a quarter of clients on platforms such as Fingood. The trend reflects a broader shift towards greater financial independence and diversification of savings strategies beyond traditional bank deposits.
The data points to a persistent structural imbalance across Europe, even as some countries show signs of convergence in pension outcomes between men and women.
Source: CTK
