Mark your calendar for July 14: Women’s Retirement Security Day

Women’s Retirement Security Day (WRSD) is a national awareness initiative that brings together employers, financial professionals, policymakers, advocates, and community organizations to spotlight the importance of retirement readiness for women.

The campaign focuses on educating audiences about the retirement savings gap women face, amplifying conversations around long-term financial wellness, and encouraging action through education, advocacy, and participation.

The first Women’s Retirement Security Day will be held on July 14, 2026.

Why This Day Matters: Research continues to show that women face unique challenges when preparing for retirement.

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Key Statistics: 

  • Women’s median 401(k) account balance is approximately 65% lower than men’s.
  • Women’s annual retirement contributions are approximately 43% lower.
  • The gender pay gap contributes to lower retirement savings, with women contributing an average of 6.4 percent of income to retirement plans compared to 6.7 percent for men, but with significantly lower average contribution amounts ($4,521 for women compared to $6,103 for men).
  • Women have a longer average life expectancy than men, with women living an average of 81.1 years compared to 75.8 years for men, requiring retirement savings to last over a longer period of time.
  • Women are more likely to pause careers for caregiving responsibilities.
  • Many women face inconsistent access to employer-sponsored retirement plans.
  • Disparities in earnings further affect retirement outcomes, with Hispanic women contributing an average of $2,167 annually and Black women contributing approximately $1,500 less than White women, largely due to differences in average pay.

These challenges make retirement preparedness and financial confidence critically important. Women deserve access to the tools, education, and support needed to achieve long-term retirement security.

  • Retirement planning should start early, but it is never too late to take action.
  • Financial confidence grows through education, conversation, and access to resources.
  • Employers, policymakers, financial professionals, and communities all play a role in supporting women’s retirement readiness.
  • Small steps today can create long-term financial stability.
  • Open conversations about retirement planning help normalize financial wellness.

Learn more: www.usaretirement.org

Follow the event on social media: X (Twitter) @usaretirement • LinkedIn & Facebook: @American Retirement Association • Instagram: @ara_retirement