Women's Influence in Taiwanese Politics: A Growing Force for Change

By IndraStra Global Editorial Team

Cover Image Attribute: There is a consistent rise in the number of female candidates participating in local elections in Taiwan. / Source: Wiktor Dabkowski/ picture alliance

 
In the recent parliamentary elections held in Taiwan, women made significant strides, comprising over 40% of the elected candidates. While the country's longstanding quarter system has contributed to this progress, women are increasingly surpassing mere quota requirements and making substantial impacts on policy decisions. This trend signals a transformative shift in Taiwanese politics, where female voices are becoming increasingly prominent and influential.
Twenty-seven-year-old Sha Yun Swan exemplifies this changing landscape. As a member of Taiwan's Mei County Council, Sha's journey into politics reflects the evolving role of women in governance. Two years ago, she ran for a council seat driven by a desire to effect meaningful change in her community. Despite finishing 11th in the raw vote count, Sha's position as the second-highest female candidate secured her a seat in the council. Her ambition is clear: to advocate for improved welfare policies and to inspire others, particularly women, to engage actively in politics.
The rise of women in Taiwanese politics is rooted in the country's democratic evolution. Emerging from decades of authoritarian rule under the Kuomintang party until the 1980s, Taiwan's transition towards democracy in the 1990s catalyzed efforts to ensure gender equality in governance. The introduction of quota systems in local assemblies aimed to provide women with a platform to voice their concerns and contribute to decision-making processes.

However, the impact of these measures has surpassed expectations. Female candidates are not only meeting but exceeding quota requirements, with the proportion of female local assembly members surging from about 15% in the 1990s to 37% by 2022. This increased representation has led to a more inclusive political agenda, with lawmakers addressing issues that were previously overlooked, such as support for childbearing.
One notable initiative spearheaded by female lawmakers like Sha Yun Swan and her colleagues is the expansion of daycare options. Recognizing the growing need for childcare as more parents enter the workforce, these lawmakers have championed the establishment of daycare facilities within elementary schools. This innovative approach has garnered bipartisan support, leading to a significant increase in the number of childcare facilities across Taipei.
The impact of these policies extends beyond gender lines, as male lawmakers also recognize the importance of improving childcare provisions for the community's overall well-being. This collaborative approach underscores the effectiveness of diverse representation in addressing societal challenges and fostering inclusive governance.
With 27 out of 62 council members being women, and figures like Sha Yun Swan serving their third terms, the influence of women in Taiwanese politics continues to grow. Their presence is reshaping the political landscape, amplifying diverse voices, and championing policies that benefit all members of society. As Taiwan sets an example of gender equality and inclusive governance, the world watches closely, recognizing the profound impact of women's participation in shaping the future of nations.

EDITORIAL NOTE: 
Our examination of the 2024 Taiwan Election outcomes indicates that among the 310 candidates contending for district seats, 106 were women and 204 were men. The discrepancy in success rates between female and male candidates was not statistically noteworthy, indicating that women had an equal likelihood of winning as their male counterparts.
Both male and female candidates affiliated with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) demonstrated a comparable success rate of 52 percent. While male candidates from the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) had a slightly higher success rate than females (58 percent versus 52.38 percent), this variance lacked statistical significance.
When evaluating the influence of incumbency on election results, 28 incumbent female members and 37 male incumbents from the current Legislative Yuan competed for district seats, constituting 21 percent of all candidates. Once again, the re-election rates for female and male incumbents were similar, standing at 71.43 percent and 70.27 percent, respectively. Among the 73 districts, 20 will maintain female representation, while nine will transition from female to male representation, and six will experience the reverse.
Regarding legislators-at-large, totaling 34 seats, the return of four women and five men from the 10th Legislative Yuan, all affiliated with the DPP, was observed. Additionally, three women and three men secured seats for the Lowland and Highland Aborigine constituencies, with one female legislator being re-elected.

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