Women, COVID-19 and Superannuation

Abstract

This paper draws on evidence from various Australian data sources to offer a descriptive analysis of recent trends in employment participation and superannuation outcomes of males and females. The paper has three aims. The first is to review recent policy developments in terms of their likely effect on the gender gap in superannuation balances. The second is to consider the effects of COVID-19 on the gender gap in balances and, the third is to consider future policy directions and research needs. Preliminary evidence suggests that the gender gap in balances amongst young males and females may have widened as a result of COVID-19 policy responses. The research also highlights the need for regular, systematic and comprehensive reporting of superannuation data detailing coverage, contributions and balances with the data disaggregated by gender and age.

JEL Codes: G23, H55, I38