Taipei: President Lai Ching-te emphasized on Sunday that Taiwan will become "more powerful" if women receive more support and have more choices in society. "When a society is willing to give women more support and room for choice, Taiwan will not only become kinder, but also more powerful," Lai remarked, marking International Women's Day in a Facebook post. According to Focus Taiwan, Lai noted that this year's International Women's Day theme is "Give To Gain," expressing his hope that every Taiwanese woman, whether striving in the workplace or cultivating family life, can "freely become her ideal self." He highlighted an amendment to the Local Government Act last year, which altered the quota system for local elected representatives from "one-quarter women's reserved seats" to a principle of one-third for any gender. This change aims to make political participation "more fair" and provide more women the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and influence. Lai also announced the government's introductio n of Taiwan's first national action plan on gender-based violence prevention. The plan seeks to integrate violence-prevention resources to "build a more comprehensive and complete gender equality protection network." He expressed his belief that "when more women can freely flourish, this strength will allow Taiwan to go further." Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, in a social media post on the same day, stated that women can "shine" in fields where they are most skilled. She emphasized that women "can focus on contributing to their families, and can also become indispensable roles in the workplace." Marking International Women's Day, Hsiao expressed her hope that every girl can "freely become her ideal self," remaining "confident, resilient, and radiant." Former President Tsai Ing-wen also shared a message for International Women's Day, wishing every woman in Taiwan the ability to find "her own rhythm and pace." Tsai encouraged persistence, asserting that women who are willing to move forward will "certainly be able to carve out a path that belongs to them."
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