As part of our “Women on Wednesdays” series, please join the Women & Politics Institute and AARP for a virtual conversation with Erica Dhar, Director of Global Alliances with AARP’s Office of International Affairs, Julie Miller, Director of Thought Leadership, Financial Resilience at AARP, and The Hill’s National Political Reporter Julia Manchester, as they discuss the impact that older women have on economic growth and the political landscape. WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin will facilitate the conversation.

“Women on Wednesdays,” sponsored by AARP's Policy, Research & International, is bringing attention to the growing impact of women over the age of 50 on the global economy. Yet, despite the significant contributions that older women make through paid work, unpaid caregiving, and purchasing power, they continue to face marginalization due to factors such as age and gender discrimination.

The Global Longevity Economy, which refers to the economic impact of individuals aged 50 and over, is projected to reach $118 trillion by 2050. Women are a key demographic in this economy, with 64% of all consumer purchases worldwide made by women. However, the labor force participation rate for women over 55 remains lower than that of men in all countries and income groups since 1990. Women's responsibilities in childcare, elder care, and other household tasks often lead to interrupted work and early retirement, which has major implications for social protection and retirement security worldwide. Marginalized groups, including women over 50, are particularly affected by layoffs. Women's lack of access to pensions is also a major issue, with only 26% of women worldwide having a pension and only 40% of women in the US having access to workplace pensions. The event highlights the opportunities and challenges for businesses and governments in the Longevity Economy and features the importance of why universal non-contributory pensions contribute to lowering poverty rates and achieving gender equality.

Erica Dhar is Director of Global Alliances with AARP’s Office of International Affairs. She has expertise working with the United Nations; advocating on issues of global aging, including the human rights of older persons; and on the sustainable development goals 2030 agenda. Erica manages the AARP Office of International Affairs in New York City, where she is responsible for relationships with international nonprofits, UN agencies and organizations dealing with aging, as well as international visitors. She spent 18 years in the broadcast and financial services industry.

Dhar received her bachelor’s degree with honors from Delhi University in India, a master’s degree in corporate political communication from Fairfield University in Connecticut, and a master’s degree from the New York University Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

Julie Miller, PhD, MSW, is Director of Thought Leadership, Financial Resilience at AARP.  Her areas of expertise include financial gerontology, longevity preparedness, family relationships, work, productive aging, and innovation. Her work reflects over a decade in progressively responsible leadership positions, including conducting translational research and providing thought leadership in the field of aging and longevity planning. Miller is experienced in program design and partnership building, as well as project management and administration. An experienced public speaker and facilitator, she regularly presents to audiences of different sizes and across diverse industries through a variety of interactive formats.

Miller received her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University, a master’s degree in social work from the University of California at Berkeley, and Ph.D from Boston College.

Julia Manchester covers national politics as a reporter for The Hill. She co-hosts a public affairs show on Hill.TV called “What America’s Thinking,” where she interviews lawmakers, candidates and strategists. She is a regular contributor on The Hill’s partner cable network NewsNation and appears on U.S. cable networks such as MSNBC, Fox News and CBSN to discuss the political news of the day.

She previously served as a digital producer at CNN Politics. She received her undergraduate degree in broadcasting at Ithaca College and her graduate degree in political science at American University.

Betsy Fischer Martin is an Emmy-winning journalist and former TV news executive. Currently, she is the Executive Director of the Women & Politics Institute at American University and a faculty member in the School of Public Affairs, where she teaches courses on campaigns and elections. During her earlier career in television news, she spent 23 years at NBC News serving as the longtime Executive Producer of Meet the Press with Tim Russert and as the Managing Editor of NBC News Political Programming.

A native of New Orleans, Fischer Martin did her undergraduate and graduate work at American University in Washington, DC. She is a cum laude graduate of their School of Public Affairs and earned a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the AU School of Communication.

“Women On Wednesdays”: The Economic and Political Power of Women 50+