A Woman's Place is . . . ?--Women in Contemporary Taiwan

Have you ever heard of Amazon Women? They have unequaled power, and certainly needn't worry about housework. For centuries, the idea of Amazon Women has inspired fantastical thoughts in Westerners of both genders.

But myths are, after all, only myths. In fact, being the (physically) weaker sex is something women are born into, and gender equality is still pieinthesky. Though feminism is on the rise, myths abound, blocking progress.

As Women's Day approaches, let's look back. After many years of effort, last year the women's movement in Taiwan scored some notable legislative successes: changes to the family provisions of the civil code and new laws to help prevent child prostitution. After the murder of Peng Wanju last year, the long-tabled "Sex Crimes Prevention Law" was finally passed, which was gratifying to women, though marred by tragedy. What is the status of women in Taiwan today?

With regard to the most frightening issue-sexual crimes-should the onus be put fully on women by emphasizing that they must better protect themselves? How can victims get justice from society? In marriage and home life, in terms of the division of labor and authority, what complaints do women have and what have they accomplished?

Interaction between the sexes creates opportunities for discussion of differences. Generating consensus and building equality between the sexes is our earnest desire.

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photo by Diago Chiu