Who We Are
In the late 1990s, several incidents of crime against women stoked public fury in Taiwan. In response to the social pressure, the Foundation for Women’s Rights Promotion and Development was established in 1999 to serve as a bridge for constructive dialogue between the government and civil society, as well as a hub for resource sharing and information exchange to empower women in Taiwan. We envision a society of gender equality in which inclusive and just policies are formulated through open communication and democratic participation.
Our Impact in Numbers
18
Countries Reached for International Cooperation on Gender Equality Issues in 2024
194
Women and Gender Organizations Supported to Public and International Participation in 2024
2067
Changemakers in Awareness-Raising and Economic Empowerment Projects in 2024
What We Do
The Conventional on the Elimination of all forms Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international bill of human rights for women. Despite political difficulties, Taiwan’s parliament approved CEDAW accession in 2007, demonstrating its commitment to gender equality. The FWRPD has been pivotal in advancing CEDAW’s principles, hosting the “CEDAW: Taiwan Initial Report Symposium” and fostering collaboration between government and women’s organizations to eliminate discrimination and advance women’s rights. CEDAW identifies violence against women as a form and manifestation of gender-based discrimination, perpetuating subordination and oppression. As digital technologies evolve rapidly, Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) has become a pressing issue both globally and in Taiwan. The FWRPD, collaborating with women’s groups, advocates for the recognition, prohibition, and systematic monitoring of TFGBV, aiming to integrate it into the government’s policy agenda. Through these efforts, the FWRPD is committed to fostering an inclusive society free from fear and discrimination.
The East Asia Gender Equality Forum serves as a regional platform to foster open dialogue, mutual learning, and collaboration among participants from across East Asia. With shared cultural similarities, the region faces comparable challenges and opportunities in promoting gender equality, enabling deeper understanding and more effective cooperation. The forum focuses on enhancing women's participation in public and political life, particularly in decision-making and policymaking. It also aims to strengthen regional networks by connecting gender-focused organizations and advocates, driving collective efforts to advance equality. Participants are encouraged to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions, learning from one another to address common issues. Additionally, the forum advocates for inclusive policy reforms that protect women's rights and promote social development. By inspiring new insights and fostering collaboration, the East Asia Gender Equality Forum strives to build more inclusive societies and accelerate progress toward gender equality in the region.
Women are at the forefront of addressing global challenges, from combating climate change to fostering international collaboration. Their leadership is crucial in developing sustainable, inclusive solutions that drive meaningful change across borders. In Taiwan, women’s contributions are shaping efforts to tackle pressing issues like environmental justice, gender equality, and social empowerment. Through initiatives such as Taiwan Gender Equality Week, the Climate Action campaign and the LEAP Workshop, the Foundation for Women's Rights Promotion and Development (FWRPD) empowers women to lead, innovate, and collaborate on solutions that benefit both local and global communities. By amplifying women’s voices and building international networks, Taiwan continues to demonstrate the transformative power of women’s leadership in creating a more equitable and sustainable world.
Working life in Taiwan and around the world is changing at an ever-increasing speed. As society has evolved from industrial economy through service to information and technology society, women’s role in the world of work has also gradually shifted. In cities, more and more women engage in the STEM field, which is traditionally and currently still dominated by men. In rural areas, smart technologies are reshaping the agricultural sector, where women’s roles are often neglected. However, despite their increasing economic participation, women today still shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid domestic and care work. The FWRPD acknowledges that economic participation is a crucial way of women’s empowerment. In response to the changing world of work, we have worked hard to increase women's visibility and paid particular attention to those in agriculture, STEM fields, and the care economy.
Discovering Taiwan Through Her Stories
Under the influence of traditional patriarchal culture, historical records and landscapes often highlight men or major events, while women’s presence, roles, and contributions are frequently overlooked or hidden. Since 2015, the FWRPD has been conducting field research and collecting materials to reinterpret Taiwan’s local culture and history through gender perspectives. This brings women’s daily lives to light, showcasing how they have shaped Taiwanese society. By uncovering these often-neglected yet deeply impactful stories, we offer a fresh perspective on Taiwan. We encourage the public to join the walking tours, which challenge gender stereotypes and acknowledge the social and economic differences among women, ultimately promoting the visibility of women with diverse backgrounds.
9F.,No.15,Sec. 1,Hangzhou S.Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei city 100, Taiwan (R.O.C)
886-2-2321-2100
iwomenweb@wrp.org.tw
LEAP