ROC Navy shows off warship living quarters for servicewomen

Want China Times, CNA 2015-01-04

One of the women's bunk rooms on the
ROCS Ma Kong. (Photo/Chang Kuo-wei)

The tough life of serving on a military vessel has not deterred Taiwan's servicewomen, a small but growing minority in the armed forces, from joining the Navy.

The Navy has implemented new measures that ensure the safety of female sailors. Their life at sea was shown to reporters Thursday in a rare media tour of a Kidd-class destroyer.

On the ROCS Ma Kong, each women's bunk is located at the back of a passageway to give them privacy. The rooms have drinking water dispensers, washing machines and a sink. Surveillance cameras are installed in front of the door to each bunk room.

Asked by the local media whether it is more difficult for women to get used to life on a military vessel, Lt Yen Jih-lin, who serves on the Ma Kong, said there is not much difference. She said women in fact enjoy more privileges on board, referring to the above amenities.

Another facility on the Ma Kong shown to the media was a gym, a feature found only on the Kidd-class destroyers.

There are about 16,000 servicewomen in Taiwan's military, representing 10.51% of all military personnel, a record high, President Ma Ying-jeou said during a military promotion ceremony in late December.