WASPI Women have campaigned tirelessly for over ten years against the unfair way state pension age changes were introduced.
In this powerful interview, Christine Smith – coordinator for the Newcastle, Wear & Tees WASPI Group – shares her story and explains why so many women feel betrayed by successive governments.
The Background
- In 1995, the Government legislated to equalise the state pension age for women and men.
- WASPI women have never opposed equality. Their anger is about the way the changes were handled – with little to no notice given.
- Many women only received official notification in 2012, sometimes just months before their expected retirement.
This maladministration meant women were unable to plan properly for their retirement, forcing many into hardship, debt, and even the loss of homes. Families have been torn apart as women have been left to shoulder caring responsibilities without the financial support they had worked towards all their lives.
The Impact
Christine describes the shock of planning to retire at 60 to look after her elderly parents – only to receive a letter telling her she had years still to work. She is far from alone:
- Thousands of women were denied career promotions on the assumption they would soon retire.
- Many were unable to re-enter the workforce due to age discrimination.
- Some lost savings, homes, and security they had built over decades.
The Fight for Justice
- The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has already ruled that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) committed maladministration and that WASPI women deserve compensation.
- Each affected woman has lost on average between £46,000 and £52,000.
- Despite strong cross-party promises in opposition, the new Government has so far refused to honour these commitments – leaving WASPI women with no choice but to pursue justice in the courts.
What Comes Next
Christine makes clear: the fight is not over. With over £240,000 already raised towards legal costs, the campaign is building to take the case forward. The WASPI women are determined – they are “a generation of can-do” and they will not be silenced.
NPC Northern Region’s Support
The NPC Northern Region has consistently supported the WASPI women. We have:
- Invited them to report at our monthly meetings.
- Donated and helped with fundraising.
- Pressured MPs to stand by their promises.
We stand in solidarity with the WASPI campaign and will continue to amplify their voices until justice is delivered.
👉 Find out more and donate to the legal fund here: WASPI Website