At noon on July 17, Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) hosted a luncheon for members of the International Review Committee (IRC) for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). He was accompanied by KMT Legislator Hsu Yu-Chen, TPP Legislator Tsai Chun-Chou, and Gender Equality Committee Member Chin Chi-Fang, among others. Director Lin Chiu-Chun of the Department of Gender Equality, Executive Yuan, also attended.
Vice President Chiang first extended a sincere welcome to the CEDAW IRC members on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and its President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜), marking their first visit to the Legislative Yuan. He also expressed appreciation for the IRC members’ hard work over the past several days in reviewing Taiwan’s national report. Vice President Chiang noted that the Legislative Yuan has long advanced gender equality through concrete legislative action, and that Taiwan incorporated the CEDAW into domestic law more than a decade ago. He also shared with the IRC members that amendments to the Local Government Act were passed last year, in 2025, further protecting political participation rights for people of all genders. Vice President Chiang further stated that the Legislative Yuan will continue to refine the legal framework for equality, and expressed hope that this exchange would offer valuable insights and help establish a long-term cooperative relationship.
IRC Chair Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia first recognized the development of trade and economic relations between Taiwan and Nigeria. She also commended Taiwan for establishing an independent review mechanism that has become a model for other countries. IRC Chair Eghobamien-Mshelia further noted that Taiwan has demonstrated remarkable achievements across various fields, commending the 42.5% representation of female legislators in the Legislative Yuan as a step toward CEDAW’s latest “50/50 gender parity” target. She emphasized that women bring diverse perspectives to decision-making.
During the bilateral exchange, Legislator Tsai warmly welcomed the CEDAW IRC members to the Legislative Yuan, stating her long-standing commitment to promoting women’s rights and gender equality. She further noted that she will work through legislation to better safeguard the rights of female athletes, and expressed hope to work hand in hand with the IRC members to advance women’s rights.
Legislator Hsu welcomed the CEDAW IRC members to the Legislative Yuan and thanked them for their dedication over the years to advancing gender equality. She also expressed hope for continued exchange and cooperation in the future, ensuring that Taiwan keeps advancing and refining its work in gender equality and human rights protection.
The two sides then exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including the role of women in ancestral worship, the rights of female athletes, South Korea’s experience with its National Human Rights Commission, independent review at the local level, and mechanisms for promoting equality. The exchange was marked by a warm and lively atmosphere, with both hosts and guests enjoying the occasion to the fullest. The luncheon lasted approximately 90 minutes and concluded on a positive note with an exchange of commemorative gifts. (2026/07/17)
