The Netherlands faces a substantial gender pension gap (around 40%). Despite rising female labor force participation, women earn less and work part-time more often. As a result, the gap in gross supplementary pensions has barely declined over the past two decades. Projections show the gender pension gap will not close soon without interventions. While the new pension system addresses several challenges, it does not resolve the gender pension gap. Additional interventions are needed. With this project we provide empirical evidence for successful interventions.

First, we use unparalleled Dutch administrative data to decompose the drivers of the gender pension gap. These data include information about wages, working hours, pensions, marital status, caregiving responsibilities, disability, and self-employment. We analyze pension accumulation across the life course to identify when and for whom the gap emerges.

Second, in absence of relevant Dutch reforms, we study reforms in the UK and Germany, where reforms have significantly improved pension entitlements for women. Using causal micro-econometric methods, we assess the effectiveness and costs of these policies.

Third, based on the findings from the Dutch data, the international evidence and legal expertise, we propose tailored policy options to close the gender pension gap in the Netherlands. We assess public support and market potential for new policies and examine behavioral responses by fielding a survey through the representative Dutch LISS panel.