Panel to promote equality

A panel discussion will be held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote women's rights and women's participation in international organizations. A ministry official said among the participants will be well-known scholars and social activists, who will share their experiences as members of international organizations or movements over the past few years. The official said the meeting will hopefully serve not only as a channel for local women to better understand these organizations, but also as a prelude to efforts to get the government to improve women's social status and human rights. No woman has ever been nominated for the position of foreign minister or that of vice foreign minster. Currently, the highest-ranking woman in the ministry is Katharine Chang (張小月), the ministry's spokesperson and head of its Department of Information and Cultural Affairs.