Ireland’s pension auto-enrolment is a turning point for women but it's not the whole story

For women in Ireland, the auto-enrolment scheme is a big leap forward, but it will only live up to its promise if the reforms are matched by awareness, structural supports and a cultural shift in how we talk about women, work and money, write Jill Steeples and Kelly-Anne Quinn

For women in Ireland, whose pension incomes are, on average, far lower than men’s, the workplace pension auto-enrolment scheme could be a watershed moment.

On January 1, 2026, Ireland enters a new chapter in retirement savings with the launch of My Future Fund. This is the workplace pension auto-enrolment scheme with contributions from the employee, the employer and a State top-up. 

For women in Ireland, whose pension incomes are, on average, far lower than men’s, this could be a watershed moment. But like all big reforms, the benefits will only be fully realised if the policy is matched by awareness, engagement and structural change.