Gender equality will raise Taiwan's competitiveness and create a happy, sustainable society, Premier Mao Chi-kuo said at today's Cabinet meeting.
After being briefed on the government's efforts in this field, Mao said the Executive Yuan's Gender Equality Committee has been cooperating with central-level agencies and local governments in promoting gender equality policies and implementing the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
"These efforts have borne fruit as evidenced by the growing number of women receiving higher education, entering the labor force, and participating in political and social activities. Average salaries have also risen while the gender gap has narrowed," said Mao.
Traditionally, women have been tasked with the responsibilities of rearing the next generation while caring for the elderly, the premier said. But with the working population dwindling in Taiwan, the issue of expanding women's participation in the job market has become an important one.
Compared with other countries, Taiwan has a low labor participation rate overall and an even lower one for women. Hence, indicated Mao, it is important for the government to create a working environment and social support system friendlier to families.
"If women can achieve a better balance between work and family, not only will their labor participation rate rise but the nation's birth rate can be expected to increase as well."
In addition to urging government agencies to work together toward this goal, the premier expressed hope that both the public and private sectors can join hands to help female workers reach their full potential.
With a gradual decline in the working population, bringing more women into the labor force can help advance national economic development and competitiveness. As such, the central and local governments have teamed up to create a support network of child care centers and registered nannies, the Executive Yuan said.
To create a family-friendly work environment, the Act of Gender Equality in Employment was amended to provide paid maternity leave, extend paid paternity leave, and expand eligibility for unpaid parental leave. Businesses are encouraged to foster work-family balance and eliminate barriers for women.
Other measures for enhancing gender equality include a draft amendment to the Income Tax Act, which was approved by the Executive Yuan in January and would give married couples the option of filing taxes separately rather paying higher taxes jointly. An amendment to the Domestic Violence Prevention Act was also enacted to expand the scope of restraining orders to ensure legal protection and true equality for women.
To further increase awareness of gender equality, the Executive Yuan's Department of Gender Equality has created three portals for convenient public access. The websites (in Chinese) were unveiled today:
The three database websites will continue to be updated and expanded, and a series of promotional events will be held. The Executive Yuan welcomes all to utilize these resources and events. For more information, please visit its Gender Equality Committee website: http://www.ey.gov.tw/gec_en