Yanzhou Liang

It was a late evening in Taipei, Taiwan, and the city lights gleamed like scattered pearls on the river’s surface. I sat at my desk, poring over a draft policy aimed at improving workplace equity. The hum of my office was a stark contrast to the boisterous family gatherings I often missed since stepping into my current role. Balancing public service with private life had been a challenge, one I had embraced fully.

At 69, I often reflect on the steep climb that brought me here, to one of the highest political offices in Taiwan. My tenure is both a personal milestone and a mirror of the broader journey of Taiwanese women—resilient, yet constantly tested by tradition.

The first time I faced overt resistance was decades ago, during a town hall meeting in my hometown. A local leader, a man twice my age, interrupted me mid-sentence to suggest I leave “serious discussions” to the men. The room fell silent, but I refused to flinch. I calmly finished my point, locking eyes with him as the audience broke into applause. That moment solidified my resolve to challenge the deeply ingrained patriarchal norms around me.

Much has changed since then. Our island has grown into a beacon for gender equality in Asia, but the cracks in the foundation remain. I see them in the reports of women sacrificing careers for family care, in the subtle dismissals faced by female leaders, even in church hierarchies where women serve but rarely lead. These echoes of old norms remind me that progress is not a destination but a relentless journey.

Sometimes, when the weight of expectations feels overwhelming, I think of my grandmother. She was uneducated but had a fierce intellect and an unyielding spirit. Her stories of quietly defying societal expectations fuel my own commitment to this work.

Tomorrow, I’ll stand before a crowd to unveil a program supporting women entrepreneurs. I’ll carry my grandmother’s courage and the voices of countless women who dared to dream louder than the world allowed. And as the city’s lights dim behind me tonight, I feel a profound sense of duty—to ensure that their dreams no longer need to fight for space.