The Ministry of Labor continues to promote workplace support programs for women, strengthening the protection of women's labor rights. Through measures such as reemployment support, flexible working hour adjustments, and childcare services, the ministry aims to increase women's workforce participation.
To assist women returning to the workforce, the Ministry of Labor has launched the "Women's Reemployment Program," providing incentives such as "Self-Training Rewards," "Reemployment Rewards," and "Employer Working Hour Adjustment Rewards" for those who have left the workforce for more than 180 days due to family reasons. In 2024, the program successfully helped 38,408 women return to work, developed 3,631 flexible working hour positions, and successfully matched 844 individuals with jobs. Additionally, the Ministry of Labor offers various vocational training courses, providing 80% to 100% tuition subsidies, training a total of 33,277 women in 2024.
To address childcare needs, the government offers parental leave salary subsidies, covering 60% of wages. Since 2021, an additional 20% subsidy has been provided, benefiting over 93,000 people in 2024, with a total payout of NT$14.387 billion. The percentage of men applying for the subsidy increased from 19.99% in 2021 to 27.01% in 2024, marking a 35% growth. The Ministry of Labor also plans to amend the law in 2025 to grant parents who receive six months of subsidies an additional one-month extension for enhanced financial support.
Regarding corporate childcare, the government subsidizes enterprises to establish childcare facilities. Starting in 2025, the subsidy for new facilities will increase from NT$3 million to NT$5 million. In 2024, the government subsidized 131 breastfeeding rooms and 445 childcare facilities, totaling NT$29.66 million. Companies with established childcare facilities may receive up to NT$500,000 in annual subsidies, while those utilizing home-based childcare or daycare services may receive up to NT$600,000 annually.
Enterprises Establish Family-Friendly Workplaces - Ensuring Parents Work with Peace of Mind (Image / Source: Ministry of Labor website)
On workplace sexual harassment prevention, following the 2023 amendment to the Gender Equality in Employment Act, the Ministry of Labor has intensified its awareness campaigns and established both a "Workplace Sexual Harassment Reporting System" and a "Professional Investigator Database," which now includes 1,611 professionals. The government also subsidizes local governments to employ dedicated personnel and provides psychological counseling, legal consultation, and other support services for victims. Ongoing reviews of relevant regulations are underway to create a safer and more inclusive work environment.
