A. Innovative policies, programs, projects, and best practices

1. Women and poverty

（1）Enhancing support for fatherless families and widows

Single mothers, including unwed mothers are responsible for providing the livelihood of their family and for rearing their children. In most cases, fatherless families are economically disadvantaged and psychologically unstable. A child rearing allowance under the Child Rearing Allowance Law, combined with the Law for the Welfare of Fatherless Families and Widows are implemented to support such families. Also low or non-interest bearing loans are extended to single mothers wishing to start up new businesses, while special consultation services by professional lawyers are provided to fatherless families that face legal problems or problems in managing businesses.

Special consideration is also given to widows through the extension of special widow welfare funds and special consultation.

To assist mothers of fatherless families and widows in finding employment, work consultation services have been enhanced, support has been provided for vocational and technical training, and wage subsidies have been provided to employers.