The #MeToo movement has found its way to Taiwan, sparked by the hit Taiwanese Netflix show Wave Makers. The series, which follows a team of campaign staff members during a presidential election, tackles various social issues, including workplace sexual harassment. One line in particular, Let’s not just let this go this time, has resonated with viewers, leading over 100 Taiwanese people, mostly women, to share their own stories of harassment and assault.
Among those who have spoken out is Chen Chien-jou, a former campaign worker who alleges she was groped by a TV director working with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. When Chen reported the incident to the party’s head of women affairs, she claims to have been treated in a cold and humiliating manner. Chen’s story has since gone viral, inspiring others to come forward with their experiences of unwanted advances in the workplace.
Prominent figures have also been accused, including Yen Chih-fa, a senior advisor to President Tsai Ing-wen, who resigned after denying the allegations. Tsai Mu-lin, a high-level party official, reportedly stepped down as well after being accused of silencing a female staff member who reported a male colleague for inappropriate behavior.
The impact of the #MeToo movement extends beyond politics, affecting academia and the entertainment industry in Taiwan. Singer Aaron Yan was accused of secretly filming sex tapes with his then-minor ex-boyfriend. These allegations have prompted calls for workplace harassment reforms and stronger protections for victims. Women’s rights groups and lawyers have urged for changes to laws to ensure safer workplaces and schools. The Taiwan Bar Association even announced free legal counsel for #MeToo accusers to shield them from vindictive lawsuits.
The emergence of the #MeToo wave poses risks to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s credibility ahead of the upcoming presidential election, as younger generations prioritize gender diversity and equality. Lawmakers have promised to enact reforms to address workplace harassment and make Taiwan a safer place for all. However, with 79% of women reporting experiencing harassment at work without filing a complaint, there is still a long way to go in achieving true change.
The wave of #MeToo stories in Taiwan serves as a reminder that sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that needs to be addressed at all levels of society. By sharing their experiences and demanding justice, survivors are shedding light on the problem and holding perpetrators accountable. Taiwan is at a crucial turning point, and it is up to its leaders and citizens to work together to create a culture that respects and protects the rights of all individuals.
