How Netflix Show Sparked Taiwan's Uprising Against Sexual Harassment

In a remarkable turn of events, Taiwan has witnessed a groundswell of courageous individuals coming forward to share their harrowing experiences of sexual harassment and assault.

Inspired by a popular Netflix series, more than 90 individuals, primarily women, have broken the silence on social media, calling out perpetrators from various realms, including politics, the arts, academia, and even foreign diplomatic circles. 

Beyond the individual stories, this movement signifies a long-overdue reckoning with pervasive misogyny and cultural barriers that have plagued Taiwanese society. As Taiwan prepares for an upcoming presidential election, the timing couldn't be more critical, as political parties face intensified scrutiny, highlighting the urgent need for change. Taiwan's journey toward gender equality has been a gradual process, fueled by generations of tireless efforts and resilience. 

The Catalyst Wave Makers Series

When Wave Makers, a Taiwanese Netflix drama, debuted on April 28, viewers were captivated by its gripping narrative of two women determined to expose a male colleague's sexual harassment within a thinly veiled version of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). What made the series resonate deeply was its uncanny realism, which accurately portrayed the inner workings of Taiwan's political circles. 

Writer Chien Li-ying, who herself experienced harassment from exiled Chinese writer Bei Ling, drew inspiration from her own life, lending authenticity and gravitas to the show. Brian Hioe, a renowned commentator on Taiwan news, noted that the series mirrored reality down to the smallest details, leaving an indelible impression on the audience.

A Long-Awaited Awakening

Over a month after the series aired, a flood of accusations began to emerge. Initially, two party workers within the DPP came forward with allegations against their colleagues. From there, the accusations spread like wildfire, engulfing exiled Chinese dissident Wang Dan, who vehemently denies the allegations and a cascade of stories exposing men embedded in Taiwan's elite. 

The upcoming presidential election has heightened public scrutiny of political parties, making these revelations all the more significant. Both the ruling DPP and the main opposition party, the KMT, faced accusations of sexual harassment. Even former Taipei mayor and presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party faced backlash for past sexist comments. However, his subsequent apology and commitment to change have had a surprising impact, with some polls showing his popularity surpassing that of the KMT candidate.

Taiwan's Uprising Against Sexual Harassment Busts Culture of Silence

Beyond politics, the shockwaves reached other spheres, including literary and cultural circles and even Taipei's diplomatic landscape. A brave Taiwanese woman publicly accused a Polish diplomat of sexual assault, shedding light on an ignored criminal complaint made in 2022. The accused diplomat, Bartosz Rys, took to Twitter to dismiss the allegations, claiming financial motives on the part of his accuser. 

These incidents have brought to the forefront the urgent need for improved reporting mechanisms and a collective stand against sexual harassment. However, victims face various obstacles, such as fears of workplace imbalances and potential backlash. Online misogyny has also hindered progress, with derogatory comments and victim-blaming prevailing in the digital realm.

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Challenging the Status Quo

While Taiwan has made significant strides toward gender equality, boasting a female president, Tsai Ing-wen, and legalising same-sex marriage in 2019, the recent wave of #MeToo allegations has exposed the underbelly of a society still shackled by silence. Lawyer Audrey Lu highlighted the challenges faced by victims, from social pressure to stay quiet to the difficulty in obtaining evidence and the presence of stringent libel laws. Although Taiwan has robust sexual harassment legislation, practical hurdles often impede justice. The recent outpouring of stories from victims, spanning decades, underscores the pressing need for change, even if legal recourse is limited by statutes of limitations.

A Collective Effort

Some may attribute this awakening solely to the impact of the Wave Makers series. However, Audrey Lu dismisses this notion, emphasizing the collective effort of countless individuals who have fought against sexual harassment and assault over generations. Taiwan's progress has been a culmination of these efforts, and the series serves as a catalyst for the long-awaited unveiling of their stories. The timing, though opportune, cannot diminish the years of struggle behind this empowering movement.

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