President Lee Teng-hui this morning met with Zonta International President Josephine G. Cooke and 27 other foreign dignitaries who are in Taipei to attend the 1997 annual conference of the Zonta International District 26.
During the meeting, President Lee said that Zonta has developed rapidly since it was introduced into the Republic of China several decades ago and that Zonta is now firmly established as an important social service organization in this country.
For many years, the President noted, Zonta International dedicated itself to engaging in various socials works, to strengthening international social fellowships, and to participating actively in international social activities. "Zonta has accumulated abundant accomplishments, which have won widespread recognition from all circles in society, and have become a significant force in shaping Taiwan's social development," he added.
"With social liberalization and universal education, the status of women in the ROC has elevated day by day," President Lee pointed out, "Women have demonstrated excellence and growing influence in all areas in society."
The President stressed that the ROC government has consistently placed great emphasis on the protection of women's rights. A package of constitutional amendments adopted earlier this year requires the government to take concrete steps to eliminate gender discrimination and protect the dignity and physical safety of all women. "Moreover, the government is actively enacting and thoroughly implementing relevant laws in the hope of achieving this constitutional objective," he said.
President Lee also told his guests that, in addition to legislating the Sex Crime Prevention Act and amending regulations in the Civil Code to give married women full and separate rights over their property, the ROC legislature is screening a Family Violence Prevention Act which is aimed at better protecting local women from violent attack by their husbands.
President Lee went on to say that the ROC is strenuously promoting political, educational, administrative and judicial reforms as well as spiritual reengineering. All these efforts are not only aimed at upgrading our country's overall competitiveness but also at manifesting true social justice and creating a civilized society in which everyone recognizes his/her own worth and has the respect of others, he explained. "I believe that the rights of women in the ROC will be enhanced further in tandem with the progress in national development and the cultivation of cultural ideals," he added.
The President further said that he is pleased to see this year's Zonta conference focus its theme on dignity and equality for the Asian women, eradication of violence against women and children, and establishment of a harmonious society. "I'm convinced that the valuable conclusions drawn from your vigorous discussions will concretely contribute to the welfare of women and peace in society," he noted.
The Zonta dignitaries were accompanied by ROC Interior Minister Yeh Chin-fong to the Office of the President for the meeting. Also present were Dr. Ding Mou-shih, secretary-general of the ROC National Security Council, and Dr. Su Chi, deputy secretary-general to the President.