Members of the public in New Taipei City and Taoyuan yesterday expressed skepticism when asked about measures proposed by President Willaim Lai (賴清德) earlier in the day to address Taiwan's declining birthrate, with many doubting the policies would be enough to encourage people to have children.
The proposals included extending maternity and paternity leave, providing an additional monthly subsidy of NT$5,000 for children aged 17 or under and encouraging workplaces to adopt more family-friendly practices.
In New Taipei City, several mothers said that the measures would not persuade them to have another child, as the costs of raising children far exceed the proposed subsidies.
Photo: Tsai Shu-yuan, Taipei Times
They cited additional pressures such as mortgages, childcare expenses and school pickup arrangements.
Shortages in daycare availability and inflexible pickup hours are major challenges for dual-income families, some said.
While subsidies are welcome, higher wages and improved workplace protections would be more effective, others said.
Some women expressed concern that having children could negatively affect their careers, particularly in workplaces lacking supportive cultures for women.
Women often shoulder significant physical and emotional burdens related to pregnancy, childbirth and childcare, a woman surnamed Huang (黃) said.
Taiwan's low birthrate is rooted in broader societal issues, including high housing prices, educational pressures and concerns about public safety, a married woman surnamed Lee (李) said.
Interviewees in Taoyuan voiced similar concerns, with many saying the issue is structural and cannot be solved simply by handing out money.
Several married respondents said that raising children requires long-term commitment and significantly affects family life.
The NT$5,000 subsidy could help lower-income households, but would not be enough to influence her decision about having more children, a married woman surnamed Chang (張) said.
Some single respondents also questioned the effectiveness of the proposal.
The monthly subsidy plan is an inefficient use of taxpayers’ money and the government should instead focus on raising wages and easing the burden of housing costs for younger people, a woman surnamed Wang (王) said.
A man surnamed Chen (陳) echoed her view, saying that Taiwan's low birthrate stems from deeper structural problems within society.
Among those interviewed, only one married man, surnamed Yang (楊), expressed optimism about the proposals, saying the subsidy would be somewhat helpful and could encourage him and his wife to have children, because they already liked the idea of raising a family.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
Former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday expressed “shock and regret” over a statement issued by his wife without his consent, and rejected her assertion that his eldest sister, Ma Yi-nan (馬以南), would manage his medical care or act as his spokesperson amid an ongoing embezzlement probe into his foundation. Ma Ying-jeou in a statement said he was shocked by a statement by his wife, Chou Mei-ching (周美青), regarding his affairs. Ma Yi-nan “must not” be in charge of his healthcare and other personal affairs, nor can she be allowed to represent the Ma family, the former president said. He said he was also
RSS