Abstract
Transformation of the economies of central Europe led inter alia to major changes in the social security regimes of those countries, to contain rising costs and adapt to the new market conditions. This article examines the largely neglected gender equality aspect of these reforms, in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, during the period 1990-2002, focusing on family benefits and pensions. After reviewing central European labour markets and the major reforms, the authors use available data to quantify the impact of the reforms on women and men, contrasting when appropriate with the gender impact of the previous social security schemes.