2025-04-20
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“Happy Mother’s Day!” With Mother’s Day just around the corner, Mayor Lu offered her heartfelt wishes in advance to all the devoted mothers and grandmothers. She recognized the challenges women face in gaining recognition in society, often greater than those encountered by men, and acknowledged how vital their role is in maintaining stability within the family. However, she also stressed the importance of self-care, noting that without it, women may find themselves overwhelmed by even more pressures and obstacles in the outside world.
Mayor Lu said that while women’s roles can be demanding, they also reflect incredible strength. She encouraged women to stay strong and prove their worth, offering three pieces of advice. First, take care of yourself—only by staying healthy in body and mind can women support their families and contribute to society. Second, support each other and work together to demonstrate women’s strength. Third, women are born with natural compassion and dedication, so expand your “small love” into “great love”—not only caring for your families but also stepping into society to use your talents and serve the public, making your lives more valuable and meaningful.
According to the Social Affairs Bureau, the “Good Pregnancy Shuttle” program tailored for expectant mothers will roll out in July, offering transportation subsidies of up to NT$6,000. In addition, the city government continues to promote its family-friendly services, such as the “Public Childcare Expansion Program,” “Parent-Child Centers in Every District,” “Long-Term Care Network,” “Senior Love Card,” and “Community Care and Support Centers.”
The Social Affairs Bureau noted that women dealing with family crises, financial hardship, or health issues often need extra support and resources. In response, the city government offers various forms of assistance, including aid for special circumstances, housing subsidies for single-parent and low-income families, and postpartum home care for disadvantaged mothers. These efforts are further supported by a network of eight women’s training centers, 89 women’s groups, and 34 service centers for new immigrants, ensuring that women have access to comprehensive welfare services.
The Social Affairs Bureau shared the stories behind this year’s honorees. One of the exemplary mother- and daughter-in-law pairs are Chuang Hsiu-Hui and Cho Shu-Yu. Chuang Hsiu-Hui, the mother-in-law, has long been a volunteer at agencies and schools, passionately serving the public. Her daughter-in-law, Cho Shu-Yu, runs a market stall and looks up to her mother-in-law as a role model. The two share a harmonious relationship and a happy household, setting a positive example for the community. Also honored was Hsu Ju-Yi, an outstanding team leader known for her strong leadership and commitment to engaging members in association activities. In addition to boosting membership of younger women, she volunteers at Qingshui Elementary School, the Qingshui Household Registration Office, and the Qingshui Farmers’ Association—setting an example of active female involvement in society.
Today’s recognition ceremony was attended by Mayor Lu, Legislator Yang Chiung-Ying, City Council Speaker Chang Ching-Chao, Social Affairs Bureau Director Liao Ching-Chih, Qingshui District Chief Tsai Ching-Sheng, Qingshui Farmers’ Association Secretary-General Yen Chiu-Yueh, and Qingshui Qingshui District Women’s Association Chairperson Hsu Chia-Chen, among others. The event also featured an energy-saving awareness campaign, showcasing the Qingshui Qingshui District Women’s Association’s dedication to aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
