The Taichung City Government continues to promote gender equality, aiming to enhance citizens' quality of life and foster a more welcoming city. Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, speaking at today's municipal meeting, noted that, as the only female mayor in the six municipalities, she has always placed great importance on gender equality. Taichung has earned the Excellence rating in gender equality evaluations from the Executive Yuan for two consecutive years and has been granted a four-year exemption from further evaluations. Mayor Lu referred to this achievement as a great honor but assured that the city government will avoid complacency and continue pushing for progress. With International Women's Day approaching on Saturday, March 8th, the city government’s report today highlighted the joint efforts of various departments. It underscored the importance of gender equality, aiming to create a safer and more welcoming environment.
During today’s municipal meeting, Social Affairs Bureau Director Liao Jing-zhi presented a special report titled “National Champion Again! Taichung's Gender Equality Evaluation Earns Excellence Rating Once More.” Mayor Lu noted that, as a woman, she personally experiences the challenges of using public restrooms. To alleviate the long queues women face when using restrooms, she has advocated for a policy that ensures new public restrooms have a male-to-female ratio of 1:4, and ongoing renovations are improving older restrooms. Taichung has been awarded the Excellence rating in gender equality evaluations from the Executive Yuan for two consecutive years and has earned a four-year exemption from further evaluations. Nevertheless, Mayor Lu stressed that this is not a sign of perfection; gender equality efforts will continue to progress without stopping.
Director Liao Jing-zhi of the Social Affairs Bureau shared that the city government has implemented several initiatives, including advancing gender mainstreaming, adhering to the CEDAW international convention, and enforcing gender equality policies, which have led to impressive outcomes. The Labor Affairs Bureau offers a specialized forklift training program for women, helping them gain certification and employment, which challenges workplace gender segregation. The Health Bureau has launched a “good pregnancy” package that consolidates maternity information and provides support for underage pregnant girls. The Social Affairs Bureau has also rolled out home-based postnatal services and revitalized the Girls’ Center. The Urban Development Bureau has introduced standards for restroom construction and maintenance, improving the male-to-female toilet ratio and prioritizing sitting toilets. The Council for Hakka Affairs encourages childbirth and advocates for gender equality through the Dongshi Sindingban Festival. The Civil Affairs Bureau’s Confucius Temple ceremony now includes female students as ritual personnel. The Construction Bureau's Taichung Melody project focuses on building inclusive parks and comfortable public restrooms. The Transportation Bureau’s Lishan Happiness Bus program provides care for women and children’s rights in remote rural areas.
Director Liao also noted that Taichung City has proactively submitted its CEDAW city review report and conducts biennial evaluations to review the gender-friendliness of the city government’s policies. Taichung and New Taipei are the only two cities among the six municipalities that have taken this proactive step. In addition to this official report, the Taichung City Government also promotes gender equality through diverse initiatives, including gender equality theater, multimedia creation contests, partnerships with gender-friendly businesses, gender equality puppet performances, Taiwanese opera, and international forums to raise awareness for gender equality. The city government’s efforts have been widely recognized and received numerous awards. In addition to earning the top place in the Executive Yuan's gender equality evaluations for two consecutive years, Taichung has also won the Executive Yuan's Gender Equality Story Award for two consecutive years.
During the meeting, Labor Affairs Bureau Director Lin Shu-yuan further explained that, to foster a more friendly work environment, the newly revised Gender Equality in Employment Act now addresses power harassment and imposes stricter penalties on offenders. It also holds employers more accountable for preventing sexual harassment, improves the complaint process, and aims to reduce incidents of workplace sexual harassment. These changes are designed to better protect and support victims, ensuring that preventive measures for workplace sexual harassment are enforced. Furthermore, the bureau is working to foster gender-friendly workplaces, promote a balance between work and family, support unpaid parental leave, ensure compliance with the Gender Equality in Employment Act, and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
Director Lin of the Labor Affairs Bureau also called on businesses to prioritize workers' rights and partner with the government to prevent sexual harassment at the workplace, improve protection and assistance for victims of workplace sexual harassment, and offer a friendly work environment (gender equality measures, childcare facilities, and flexible working hours). She also encouraged companies to join forces with their employees to foster a harmonious and inclusive workplace, ultimately contributing to a positive labor environment in Taichung City that makes it an exemplary livable city.