The National Science Council (NSC) opened Taiwan's first international conference focused on gender issues relative to scientific study yesterday, in a bid to bring more attention to the rights and interests of women scientists in Taiwan, and to collect opinions provided by foreign participants.
NSC chairman Hwang Jenn-tai (
"Traditional Chinese culture has shaped most of our people's beliefs on gender. It's believed that woman are more suitable in social studies than in scientific research," said Hwang. He said that the number of women participating in science in Taiwan has been very low.
According to NSC statistics, in 1995 only 23 percent of college students in science and technology fields were women, while those at graduate schools stood at only 12 percent.
Hwang said the rate of female participation in science research in colleges in 1999 -- 15 percent -- was even lower than in the past.
"Students in Taiwan have to decide what they want to major in during the second semester of their first year in senior high school," Hwang said.
He said they were often influenced by several factors, such as contemporary social values, traditional culture, peer pressure and expectations from their parents.
"As a government official, I would rather see the government taking a positive role in helping women find their places in the field of science and be promoted on their merits," said Hwang.
To assess the current status of women in science, scheduled discussions among local and foreign experts during the conference will focus on factors that help or hinder the participation of women, the role of governmental intervention, and a global view of the future for women as scientists.
Foreign participants include Aili Nenola, an influential technology official from Finland, Jennie Hwang, president of H-Technologies group, Inc, who is a member of the US National Academy of Engineering. Amelia Ancog, a senior government official of the Philippines' Department of Science and Technology, and Meiko Oshima, president of the Japanese Women Engineers Forum are also participating in the event.
NSC chairman Hwang said that the council would compile all conclusions drawn during the conference into an comprehensive report which would be sent to the Executive Yuan for reference when making science-related policies.
RULES BROKEN: The MAC warned Chinese not to say anything that would be harmful to the autonomous status of Taiwan or undermine its sovereignty A Chinese couple accused of disrupting a pro-democracy event in Taipei organized by Hong Kong residents has been deported, the National Immigration Agency said in a statement yesterday afternoon. A Chinese man, surnamed Yao (姚), and his wife were escorted by immigration officials to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, where they boarded a flight to China before noon yesterday, the agency said. The agency said that it had annulled the couple’s entry permits, citing alleged contraventions of the Regulations Governing the Approval of Entry of People of the Mainland Area into the Taiwan Area (大陸地區人民進入台灣地區許可辦法). The couple applied to visit a family member in
CELEBRATION: The PRC turned 75 on Oct. 1, but the Republic of China is older. The PRC could never be the homeland of the people of the ROC, Lai said The People’s Republic of China (PRC) could not be the “motherland” of the people of the Republic of China (ROC), President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks in a speech at a Double Ten National Day gala in Taipei, which is part of National Day celebrations that are to culminate in a fireworks display in Yunlin County on Thursday night next week. Lai wished the country a happy birthday and called on attendees to enjoy the performances and activities while keeping in mind that the ROC is a sovereign and independent nation. He appealed for everyone to always love their
‘EXTREME PRESSURE’: Beijing’s goal is to ‘force Taiwan to make mistakes,’ Admiral Tang Hua said, adding that mishaps could serve as ‘excuses’ for launching a blockade China’s authoritarian expansionism threatens not only Taiwan, but the rules-based international order, the navy said yesterday, after its top commander said in an interview that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could blockade the nation at will. The object of Beijing’s expansionist activities is not limited to Taiwan and its use of pressure is not confined to specific political groups or people, the navy said in a statement. China utilizes a mixture of cognitive warfare and “gray zone” military activities to pressure Taiwan, the navy said, adding that PLA sea and air forces are compressing the nation’s defensive depth. The navy continues to
MISSILE MISSION: The Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology said it does not make policy, but would be glad to obtain certification to assemble the missiles The Ministry of National Defense-affiliated Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology is in the process of getting certified to assemble an additional 1,985 Stinger missiles on top of those from US arms sales, a senior defense official said yesterday. Washington is to send a team to Taiwan to evaluate the institute’s manufacturing capabilities and information security, said the official, who commented on condition of anonymity. The ministry initially bought 500 missiles for the army and navy, but later increased the order to 2,485 in response to an increase in Beijing’s military activities around the nation, and to meet the army’s urgent need
RSS