Politics

Taiwan steps up efforts on women’s rights

Pulling to further women's rights in Taiwan is a top priority for the government. (CNA)

• Publication Date：11/10/2010
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Grace Kuo

Taiwan is set to embark upon a new era of gender equality with the ROC government prioritizing the development of women’s rights, according to Interior Minister Jiang Yi-huah.

“Gender equality is the foundation for ensuring a fair and just society,” Jiang said Nov. 9 at a news conference in Taipei City. “It is only when all human beings are equally respected and provided with equal opportunities that social justice can be achieved.”

As part of this initiative, the government will host its first ever women’s forum March 7 to 8, 2011. Participants include central and local government officials, academics and women’s movement group representatives.

Issues to be discussed at the forum include domestic violence, employment, health, medical care, marriage and welfare. In addition, a guideline on government gender equality policies will be unveiled.

Jiang said important milestones for the development of women’s rights in Taiwan include enfranchisement in 1949 under the ROC Constitution, and the 2005 quota ensuring at least 50 percent of a party's at-large legislators must be women.

“These achievements indicate that government has made some headway in its efforts to promote women’s rights.” (JSM)

Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw