Economic empowerment is the key to closing the gender gap in workplaces, said President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), speaking at an International Women’s Day event held by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on March 8.
During her speech, Tsai noted that many Taiwanese women leave their jobs once they get married as childcare responsibilities and household duties often fall on their shoulders. Many of these women do not return to the workforce and this trend is a loss to the nation, Tsai said.
Statistics released in 2013 by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics show that 83 percent of women aged 15 to 64 held jobs before they were married, but only 55 percent of them were still employed after marriage.
The president said that her administration would focus on eliminating barriers that kept married women from the workplace, and pointed out that preliminary steps have already been taken, such as amendments to the Gender Equality in Employment Act that require companies with over 100 employees to set up childcare centers. The government is aiming to provide women with subsidies, job training and employment advice to help them return to the workforce.
Tsai also called on employers to consider ability over gender when hiring employees and create a work environment that is conducive to work-life balance.
As of 2014, women make up roughly half of Taiwan’s workforce, and in 2016, women-led businesses increased to 30 percent. But the average salary for women is still 20 percent lower than men’s, which is on par with the global gender pay gap of 24 percent.
In a 2016 report, the World Economic Forum estimates that it will take another 170 years for the global gender gap to close completely, and it will take countries in East Asia and the Pacific 111 years.
The report also suggests business strategies for gender parity which includes promoting a work-life balance, development and leadership training for women and building awareness among managers of the benefits of hiring women.
However, a global survey conducted by Ipsos MORI, released on March 7, found that one in five people believe that men are more capable in the workplace and at school.
Half of the respondents from China, Russia and India said that men were superior to women. The survey of 17,500 people also found that three out of four people said that women experienced social, political and financial inequality.
International Women’s Day this year also calls attention to the gender pay gap with activists calling for a “Day Without Women,” in which women around the world are expected to strike or leave work early in protest of unequal pay.
Editor: Olivia Yang
