TAIWAN: The infant gender ratio in Taiwan persists at a high point of 110 boys to 100 girls, despite improvements over the past two years, and is currently ranked No.3 in the world, with India and China being the No. 1 and No.2, respectively, said the Foundation for Women's Rights Promotion and Development of Taiwan, local media reported on March 6.

The infant gender ratio in Taiwan used to be 111 boys to every 100 girls. At present, the ratio is still at a high point of 110 and it consequently indicates that the problem of imbalanced infant gender ratio remains.

Traditionally boys were preferred over girls and this convention still plays a part in today's society.

Thus, Taiwan faces not only a problem of low birth rate, but also an impending issue of low birth of girl infants, said the National Alliance of Taiwan Women's Associations yesterday in a meeting to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day.

The reasons for the low birth rate vary.

In addition to social changes as a whole, more and more women now have life goals that preclude becoming parents, opting to avoid the stress and cost of childcare.

To increase birth rates, the government should establish a better social welfare system to help take care of infants, children, disabled and elderly individuals.

Only after economic burdens on women are relieved will they become more willing to bear children, according to Ho Pi-chen, general-secretary of the foundation.

Fewer girl infants are an issue related to the problem of low birth rates.

The government should enforce the principle of gender equality, educating the public to abandon the prejudice that girls are inferior to boys.

Thus, the problem of fewer and fewer females in Taiwan will likely be rooted out, experts added.