Taipei:A women's rights group has called on candidates vying for top local government positions to address critical issues affecting women. The Garden of Hope Foundation, which advocates for gender equality, highlighted four priorities housing for survivors of domestic violence, workplace sexual harassment, childcare, and caregiver training. These issues were presented to 81 candidates running for magistrate or mayor in Taiwan's 22 counties and cities ahead of the local elections on November 28.
According to Focus Taiwan, the foundation put forward eight demands spanning these four categories, aiming to transform needs identified by social workers into actionable proposals for local governments. They emphasized the importance of incorporating gender-responsive policies into local governance strategies.
One of the key issues addressed was housing for survivors of domestic violence. The foundation cited a 2025 survey indicating that 52 percent of survivors struggled to find housing after leaving their homes. They urged for more housing options that align with survivors' needs while maintaining proximity to work, school, and daily routines. Additionally, they advocated for prioritizing survivors in public housing allocations and establishing shelters within such housing that provide childcare and other support services.
Concerning workplace sexual harassment, the foundation proposed that local labor authorities conduct at least two legal advice sessions monthly to assist employers in managing cases and accessing external support. They noted that many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, face challenges in adhering to central government guidelines due to a lack of dedicated staff.
In terms of childcare, the foundation recommended expanding drop-in childcare services to accommodate parents' occasional needs. This includes establishing at least one daytime center and one nighttime center open until 10 p.m. in each district. They also called for more flexible working hours to assist parents with childcare logistics and suggested easing eligibility requirements for public childcare services to increase accessibility for families.
Regarding caregiver training, the foundation urged that home-based childcare providers receive at least three hours of gender equality training every two years, aligning with the existing mandate for workers at childcare institutions. The foundation is currently awaiting responses from the candidates on these proposals.
