2024-09-23
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Deputy Director Chen remarked that five years ago, the Women’s Wing came to Taichung City to exchange insights on women's rights and home-based postpartum care services, and they found the exchange highly rewarding. After returning to Japan, they shared what they learned with other members, encouraging the Japanese government to look at Taiwan's relevant policies. Chen felt honored that the Women’s Wing is visiting Taichung again this year to gain further insights, continue the longstanding relationship, and foster ongoing interaction aimed at increasing women's public participation and actively advancing gender equality.
The Social Affairs Bureau noted that the Women’s Wing from Okinawa Prefecture was founded in 1987 with the goal of achieving equal participation of both genders in society and fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Their focus includes issues like gender equality, family poverty, divorce, and sexual assault. They actively recruit women to participate in local initiatives and international exchanges, helping to develop numerous influential women in politics, healthcare, and business.
The Social Affairs Bureau highlighted that the city government has made significant progress in advancing gender equality policies. For example, almost all of Taichung’s committees have achieved the one-third gender principle. Efforts include establishing a talent database to bring together local gender experts, recruiting over 180 gender-friendly businesses to offer safe and supportive environments and services, and conducting various awareness campaigns such as digital multimedia selection, lectures on gender equality, concerts, and theater performances. These initiatives are aimed at promoting gender equality and fulfilling the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In an effort to enhance international connections, the Social Affairs Bureau has hosted the Taichung Gender Equality Cities Forum for six consecutive years. In March of this year, they received their first invitation to New York, USA, where they participated in the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and related NGO meetings. This provided an opportunity for meaningful international dialogue and highlighted their achievements in deepening global exchanges on gender equality. This year’s Taichung Gender Equality Cities Forum is scheduled for October, and more information about gender equality can be found on the Taichung City Gender Equality website (https://ge.taichung.gov.tw/index.aspx).
