Social Welfare Programs for Women

How will Taiwan’s future look like?

Females’ Seats Are Taken

Females’ seats are legislated for the achievement of equality in a constitutional democracy; also, women are enabled to attend and supervise in units at all levels as well as various groups. Trans women’s sex and lived experience are significantly different from women’s. Thus, if they take females’ seats, those women who are vulnerable will be almost invisible.

• According to the Article 4 in the Additional Articles of the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the number of elected female members on each party’s list shall not be less than one-half of the total number.¹
• According to the Article 33 in the Local Government Act, in the event there are a total of four special municipality councilors, county/ city councilors, and township/ city representatives to be elected by an electoral district, there should be one female among the elected. If the total number of those to be elected exceeds four, an additional female shall be among the elected for every additional four persons elected.

Females’ Social Welfare Programs Are Taken

It is likely that males will take or exploit females’ social welfare programs like employment and care. It is predictable that women have to try harder to gain those resources. For example:

• Menstrual leave
  • When male employees apply for menstrual leaves and exploit the whole system, enterprises may tighten their leave regulations, e.g. the requirement for a medical certificate. Thus, it will be more difficult for female employees to apply for a menstrual leave. (the Ministry of Labor: the Act of Gender Equality in Employment)
  • When men can be recognized as women legally, is it possible that in order to reduce the cost or to be proved as a diversity champion, enterprises will employ more “women” who do not apply for menstrual and maternity leaves?
• It is likely that men will take women’s social welfare programs like employment and care. For example:
  • The Ministry of Health and Welfare: Social Welfare Programs for Women
  • The Ministry of Economic Affairs: Programs for Female Entrepreneurs
  • The Ministry of Labor: Loan Programs for Female Entrepreneurs
  • Taiwan’s Banks: Loan Programs for Female Entrepreneurs and Customers (PDF)
• It is likely that men will take women’s scholarships as well, e.g. Women in Technology Scholarships, Women in Tuition Academic Scholarships, etc.