Premier Chen Chien-jen on Wednesday delivered a speech at the opening of the 2023 EU-Taiwan Gender Equality Forum. In his remarks, the premier expressed gratitude for the EU's joint efforts with Taiwan to promote gender equality. The first Human Rights Consultations between Taiwan and the EU were held in 2018, leading to the establishment of the EU-Taiwan Gender Equality Cooperation and Training Framework, which was officially launched in 2019 and has since organized many workshops and seminars. The premier expressed hope that this forum will provide an opportunity for both sides to review their joint efforts in the past and look ahead to the future.
The premier said that a number of gender equality-related incidents have recently come to light in Taiwan, causing widespread concern within society. He stressed that Taiwan has zero tolerance for sexual harassment and sexual assault. The Executive Yuan is responding by conducting a review and making improvements along three lines, and is also proactively pursuing amendments to the Act of Gender Equality in Employment, Sexual Harassment Prevention Act and Gender Equity Education Act. The premier hopes that ensuring robust laws, regulations and related mechanisms will enable a society-wide effort to build a more gender-friendly environment.