International's Women's Day is a global holiday that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. But this day is also a time to evaluate how far society has moved towards gender equality.
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March 8 marks the International Women's Day. For many it's an opportunity to examine gender inequalities in society. A survey conducted by online job bank Yes123 shows over 30% of Taiwanese women experience stress from full-time work coupled with motherhood. The top three industries with major work-life imbalance include communications, medicine, and technology.
A job bank representative says that to bridge the gender pay gap, women need an average pay raise of US$240. More than 50% of Taiwan's women were active in the job market in 2012, but the number only grew by just over one percentage point. Some say implementing a fully paid parental leave and paid family care leave would incentivize more women to join the workforce.
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) says the government has been trying to create a more gender-inclusive environment. She says the government has been creating opportunities for women by increasing subsidies for unpaid parental leave and expanding pregnancy services.
Tsai says she hopes all women, regardless of whether they want to pursue a career, get married, or start a family, can live the life they want.