Canada and Taiwan are both free, progressive democracies. We have also been learning from each other on the subject of women’s empowerment.

In 2019, before COVID forced the world into lock-down, Canada and Taiwan held a forum for Taiwan’s foreign service recruits at the Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs in Taipei. Canadian women ambassadors flew in for the one-day discussion, and both sides compared notes on the formal and informal networks that have helped aspiring young women foreign service officers advance their careers. There was significant learning, and not just for the women in the room, but also for the men. After all, this is a subject of importance to everyone. 

Women in Canada and Taiwan have made remarkable progress in the past few years.

When Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau presented his first Cabinet six years ago, he was asked by the media why he had insisted on an equal number of women and men. His short response, “Because it’s 2015,” was reported around the world. It had been nearly 100 years since women had won the right to vote in Canada, and it was high time that there should be a gender-balanced Cabinet.

Since then, the Government of Canada has adopted a feminist foreign policy. By early next year, no less than 95 per cent of Canada’s bilateral international development assistance initiatives will target or integrate gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Gender balance has also been reflected in hiring and promotion exercises throughout Canada’s public service.

Taiwan has an equally impressive track record. Some 42 per cent of members of the Legislative Yuan are women, putting Taiwan in a leadership position internationally. Of course, Taiwan is also led by a strong, influential woman. This past year, President Tsai Ing-wen has been lauded on the world stage for her success in controlling the pandemic and growing the economy.  

(Source: President Tsai Ing-wen's Facebook and Time Magazine)

Women already generate nearly 40 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, and the potential for further growth led by women is relatively untapped. According to a 2015 global study, achieving gender equality around the world could increase global gross domestic product by $12 trillion.

Studies show that inclusive organizations produce better results. It is true in business, in the public sector and even in the context of international peace-keeping operations.

Organizations such as Taiwan’s Women on Boards have clearly shown that gender balance in the boardroom is better for the bottom line.

Today, women leaders are not content to merely talk about getting ahead, they want to get on with the job. 

Canada and Taiwan will organize our next event on March 2-3. A virtual Canadian women business leaders mission is coming to town, organized by The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and Taiwan Institute for Economic Research. The mission is supported by Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, Women on Boards and CommonWealth.

Taiwan’s Digital Minister Audrey Tang will speak, as will a panel of seasoned Canadian and Taiwanese women CEOs. Online participation is open to those who are interested. Further information is available here: https://www.accupass.com/event/2101301115071553409205 

Canada and Taiwan are natural partners with much to learn from each other. This time, in addition to talk, we will get down to business.

About the author：

Jordan Reeves has been the Executive Director of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei since 2018. This is his second tour in Taiwan. Prior to his arrival in Taipei, Mr. Reeves served as Canada’s Consul General in Mumbai, India.

He joined Canada’s foreign ministry in 1994 and has served in The Hague, Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing and Riyadh. In 2010, Mr. Reeves was awarded the Foreign Service Award. Executive Director Reeves holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Journalism from Carleton University.

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