A small number of countries have introduced incentives for employers to retain or recruit older workers. Workplace discrimination, typified by "less pay for the same work", exists across the region. Gender abuse and gender violence too act as impediments to the social integration of women.8 For social integration to be effective, there is a need to ensure that policies and attitudes are more conducive to fostering gender equality. Almost all countries have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, while many have framed laws against gender discrimination. However, there is considerable divergence between the actual situation and the letter of the law. To ensure integration of women into society on an equal basis with men it is necessary to introduce appropriate legislation and ensure enforcement of existing laws.