On the Lunar New Year’s second day, the Cabinet’s Gender Equality Committee (GEC) called for dismantling stereotypes like “daughters can only return to their natal home on the second day” and “women handle all post-New Year cleaning,” turning the holiday into a relaxing time for all family members. 

Per traditional Chinese custom, the second day is when married daughters visit their parents. Department Section Chief Shang Ching-chi (尚靜琦) urged breaking this norm as it clashes with modern gender equality. On women bearing holiday chores she cited the cabinet’s “2025 Gender Equality Attitudes Telephone Survey,” which indicated that 84.9% disagreed “wives should spend more time on housework than husbands” – up 12.4% from 2018. The Gender Equality Committee reminds everyone that gender equality implementation goes beyond laws into details of daily life, Shang said.

Shang emphasized everyday practice: chores should be shared regardless of gender, easing burdens and boosting family bonds. The department noted that diverse modern families – singles, same-sex couples, cross-border marriages – deserve flexible celebrations free of judgement. Policies like “Key Gender Equality Issues” aim to foster inclusion, ensuring all enjoy rest and dignity during festivities.