The Foreign Ministry and the Foundation for Women's Rights Promotion and Development recently concluded the "LEAP Workshop" last November in Taipei. The workshop, which aimed to elevate Taiwan’s global presence on the gender equality stage, brought together nearly 100 experts, scholars, and young leaders.
The event featured prominent female leaders, including Chair of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Candela González, International President of the Women's Federation for World Peace Moriko Hori, and Vice President of the Nepal Chapter of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW) Avipsa Prasai. The speakers shared insights on gender issues and youth leadership empowerment.
At a press conference on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry’s Department of NGO International Affairs Director General Andy Chen (陳剛毅) said the workshop also served as a precursor to the upcoming Taiwan Gender Equality Week (TGEW). Scheduled for March 2025 in New York, TGEW will coincide with the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).
Chen emphasized the Foreign Ministry's support for NGO participation in CSW69 sessions next year, noting 2025's significance in reviewing 30 years of global gender equality progress. Highlighting Taiwan’s ranking in the 2023 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Gender Equality Index, Chen said Taiwan ranked sixth globally and the first in Asia. By participating, he said that NGOs can showcase Taiwan’s commitment to gender advocacy and its achievements.