Directive 79/7/EEC aims at implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in social security matters, by requiring that equal treatment is ensured in selected social security and social assistance schemes.

This study forms part of the REFIT programme and assesses the Directive’s effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance, sustainability and EU added value. Based on its results, it provides policy recommendations with a view to a possible modernisation of the Directive.