Taiwan's MeToo Movement Gains Momentum as Survivors Speak Out
GHRTV
25-07-2023
Dana Andreeva
Team Japan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence
Taiwan is experiencing a MeToo reckoning as over 100 survivors have recently come forward, accusing prominent figures in politics, the arts, academia, and civil society of sexual harassment and abuse. The movement was ignited by Chen Chien-Jou, a former staffer for Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), who shared her story of being inappropriately touched by a filmmaker. (Valentine, 2023) (Baoyu, 2023)
The issue at hand is the significant number of survivors who have bravely come forward in Taiwan's MeToo movement, exposing a widespread problem of sexual harassment and abuse in various sectors of Taiwanese society. The movement has been triggered by a popular Netflix show, "Wave Makers," and is gaining unprecedented momentum, with numerous survivors sharing their personal stories. (Haime, 2023)
The prevalence of sexual assault and harassment in Taiwan is alarming, affecting individuals in professional, educational, and political settings. Victims often face societal dismissal and blame due to a culture of conformity that values harmony, deference, and respect for power. Gender equality laws implemented in the early 2000s and the advancement of local women's movements have played a significant role in empowering survivors to defend their sexual autonomy and speak out against harassment. (Chen, 2023)
The release of the Netflix series "Wave Makers" served as a catalyst for Taiwan's MeToo movement. The show's portrayal of a political campaign staffer filing a complaint after being groped resonated with many, particularly as it coincided with Taiwan's highly anticipated presidential election. (Chen, 2023) Inspired by the series, Chen Chien-Jou courageously accused a DPP executive of covering up her sexual harassment complaint, leading to a surge of other victims sharing their experiences. The movement has prompted high-profile party members to resign, elicited public apologies, and underscored the need for societal education and support for survivors. (Ing-wen, 2023) (Yu-chen et al., 2023)
The #MeToo moment in Taiwan reflects a belated reckoning in a society that prides itself on gender equality but is constrained by cultural norms and stigmatisation of sexual issues. The current movement is a culmination of years of advocacy, legal reforms, and growing emphasis on mental well-being. However, effective implementation of gender equality laws and comprehensive complaint mechanisms remains a challenge. While criminal law reforms have been made to protect sexual autonomy, transforming societal mindsets and fostering prevention and support systems will require time and effort. (Hioe, 2023)
To effect lasting change, Taiwan must continue to implement gender equality laws effectively, establish comprehensive complaint mechanisms, and foster societal shifts in mindsets. By supporting and empowering survivors, Taiwan can create an environment that upholds human dignity, respects boundaries, and promotes lasting change.
Sources and Further Reading:
Valentine, A., (2023, July 3). Meet the woman who launched Taiwan’s MeToo movement, Chen Chien-Jou. The China Project. https://thechinaproject.com/2023/07/03/meet-the-woman-who-launched-taiwans-metoo-movement-chen-chien-jou/
Baoyu, C., (2023, May 3). #It's too late but it should be caught well “Let’s not just leave it like this, okay? Many thing [Status Update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0Pu3orMQZ8Sni45TR4U7H38UeFRA1FV16dYBTD1qLxWVbgt65UDiV52AM5okvYpnVl&id=100003071804358&mibextid=qC1gEa
Haime, J., (2023, June 8). Taiwan’s ruling DPP rocked by sexual misconduct allegations. The China Project. https://thechinaproject.com/2023/06/08/taiwans-ruling-dpp-rocked-by-sexual-misconduct-allegations/
Chen, A., (2023, June 27). Taiwan faces a #MeToo wave triggered by a Netflix hit. The Japan Times. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/27/asia-pacific/metoo-taiwan-election-women/
Chen, A., (2023, June 5). As Taiwan gears up for 2024 presidential poll, who are the top candidates? The Japan Times. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/05/asia-pacific/politics-diplomacy-asia-pacific/taiwan-2024-presidential-election-candidates/
Ing-we, T., (2023, June 6). Recently, with the development of sexual harassment incidents by former DPP workers, as the president and former chairman of the [Status Update]. Facebook.
Yu-chen, L., Kuei-hsiang, W., Yi-ning, T., Jui-hung, H., Kuan-yin, Y., Yen-hsiang, C., (2023, June 2). DPP's Lai outlines new rules to combat sexual harassment. Focus Taiwan. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202306020020
Hioe, B., (2023, June 14) Taiwan Rocked by Wave of Sexual Harassment, Assault Allegations. The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2023/06/taiwan-rocked-by-wave-of-sexual-harassment-assault-allegations/
