Taipei, March 8 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian addressed the women of Taiwan Saturday on International Women's Day, saying that the government will do all it can to push for gender equality.
The president stressed in his televised broadcast that to enact laws to establish gender equality, create a social welfare system, and lighten the burden of women has always been on his mind.
Chen also said that to make women feel "light and warm in their everyday life" is definitely the unshirkable responsibility of the government.
The president lauded Taiwan women for their unselfish contributions. He said that career women have to take care of their work and families at the same time. Like burning a candle at both ends, they are strained physically and emotionally, and men are largely unaware of the pressures that they face.
Regarding housewives, he said that they are often marginalized despite the fact that they face the same pressures and burdens even though they "work" at home.
The president noted that some have said that his wife, Wu Shu-jen, made a great contribution to the nation when she made a successful visit in the United States last September.
But Wu told him that "as a housewife, my biggest contribution is raising our children and serving as the backbone of my husband."
The president said that he agreed with his wife, and he wanted to pay the highest tribute to all women who have contributed to Taiwan.