President Tsai Ing-wen said April 16 that she is committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment and ensuring all members of society can fully contribute to boosting prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
When more women are able to pursue their aspirations, countries become more prosperous and the region more stable, Tsai said. The government will continue working to create an environment where women can grow, succeed and pursue their dreams, she added.
Tsai made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the Women’s Economic Empowerment Summit in Taipei City. Co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the American Institute in Taiwan and Small and Medium Enterprise Administration under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the one-day event attracted over 500 attendees from more than 15 countries.
According to Tsai, the summit is a valuable platform for unlocking the potential of women and promoting Taiwan’s credentials as a global leader in gender equality. Examples of the latter include the recent commissioning of the country’s second navy captain, third active army general and the training of more air force combat pilots.
In politics, Tsai said, women account for nearly 40 percent of legislators and mayors in Taiwan, adding that the younger generations are also making waves with the inclusion of four homegrown talents in such prestigious global listings as Forbes Magazine 30 Under 30 Asia list.
Taiwan is ready, willing and able to share its know-how in encouraging more women to start businesses and creating work environments in which they are visible and supported, Tsai added. (HC-E)
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