Taiwan’s Female President Tsai Ing-wen: A Pillar of Democratic Strength and Hope
Taiwan has experienced a dramatic shift in their native culture, one that has brought to the world’s attention a new face and influence on potential democracy worldwide. Tsai Ing-wen, the current president of Taiwan, is a powerful and inspiring force in the movement for a more democratic Taiwan. This article will delve into Tsai Ing-wen’s background and why her election to the office of president marks a monumental and significant change within Taiwanese culture.
A Brief Overview of Tsai Ing-wen
Tsai Ing-wen is the first female president to have been elected in Taiwan and the first leader from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to take office since 2000. She is a Taiwanese lawyer and politician and a pioneer of the country’s pro-independence movements.
Tsai was born in Taiwan in 1956 and received her education in law, international politics, and law before eventually pursuing a PhD however she never completed her studies. After several years of working in the public and private sector, Tsai entered politics in 2004. In 2016, her campaign to become the president of Taiwan became successful and she took office on 20th May 2016.
A Political Movement in Taiwan
There is a huge divide between Taiwanese politics and the government. This largely began in the 1950s and 1960s when the country was under the rule of the Kuomintang (KMT). The KMT adopted many of the same economic and cultural policies that the previous Chinese government had given, this included a successful, export-driven economic policy.
The population in Taiwan, however, also began to question their Chinese identity, and many people began to protest for independence from Chinese control. This resistance and drive for independence was the beginning of many pro-democracy movements in Taiwan and was led largely by the DPP, the political party that Tsai Ing-wen is from.
A Revolutionary Campaign for President
When Tsai Ing-wen set out to campaign for president in the 2016 elections, she quickly gained the support of many voters who wanted to make a change in Taiwanese culture. She campaigned on a platform of democracy and justice, speaking out against the KMT’s policies and even securing the support of the US government, who wanted to help Taiwan become more independent.
Tsai Ing-wen’s campaign was revolutionary in the sense that she was the first female candidate to ever run for president in Taiwan. While she was not the first female politician in Taiwan, the election of Tsai Ing-wen as president made a powerful statement to the world: that a female president was possible in Taiwan.
The Path Towards a Democratic Future
Tsai Ing-wen has made major strides towards a democratic future for Taiwan. Since winning the presidential election in 2016, she has worked to gain more international recognition for the country, as well as working hard to ensure the democratic voice of the Taiwanese people is heard.
Some of the reforms she has implemented include:
• An increase in government transparency and accountability
• Working to strengthen relationships with other democratic countries
• Supporting students to learn multiple languages
• Making sure laws that protect the people are upheld
• Working to promote dialogue between Taiwan and China
Reforming Youth Culture
Tsai Ing-wen has also made great efforts to encourage and reform the changing youth culture in Taiwan. To this end, she has set up a committee for youth development, the citizens’ constitutional council (CCC). The CCC focuses on giving young people an opportunity to voice their opinions and views on Taiwanese issues and to make sure their voices are heard by the government. The CCC also hosts forums and activities that aim to bring the youth together and encourage them to think critically and participate in politics beyond just voting.
Tsai Ing-wen’s Victory a Symbol of Progress
Tsai Ing-wen’s victory was an immense milestone for Taiwan and signified the potential the country has to become a democracy. It also was an inspiration to many individuals both in Taiwan and around the world, that a female leader could achieve such a feat. In addition to her successes as a leader, Tsai Ing-wen has used her platform to inspire many to pursue their dreams in the face of adversity and to show young girls and women that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
The election of Tsai Ing-wen as president of Taiwan was an incredible victory not just for the country, but for democracy and women worldwide. Her leadership and inspiring dedication to the causes of democracy, justice and progress have pushed Taiwan in the direction of a brighter, more prosperous future and have become a source of hope, not just for Taiwan, but for the entire world. Tsai Ing-wen is a powerful symbol for all that is possible in the pursuit of justice and democracy, and her successes have been a source of both admiration and strength for those looking for change in their countries.
