The government is not complacent when it comes to promoting gender equality in Taiwan, Ma said. Based on the criteria used to compile the latest Gender Inequality Index released in 2012 by the U.N., the country would rank second overall, he added.
Ma made the remarks at a Ministry of Health and Welfare-organized news conference in Taipei City marking International Women’s Day. Other attendees were Vice Premier Mao Chi-kuo, MOHW Minister Chiu Wen-ta and five leading female film directors whose shorts featuring local women were screened at the event.
The MOHW is at the vanguard of achieving greater equality between the sexes in Taiwan. As part of this undertaking, the ministry held a forum the same day at which experts and academics discussed key issues facing Taiwan women, including political participation, health and personal safety.
According to the president, meeting participants should approach their task with a visionary approach, ensuring that the principles of diversity, equality and safety are upheld.
Ma also encouraged women in Taiwan to pursue their dreams with boldness, safe in the knowledge that they have the full support of the government. (DF-JSM)
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