Taiwan’s progressive credentials are being tested as the nation grapples with a wave of #MeToo scandals that have rocked its political establishment and public figures just months before the upcoming national elections. The surge of sexual harassment claims has prompted apologies, resignations, and internal reforms within the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), while also shedding light on broader issues of sexism within Taiwanese society. 

The recent scandals have dominated media headlines and public discussions, casting a spotlight on the country’s commitment to gender equality. Taiwan, known for its progressive stance on issues like same-sex marriage, has been grappling with the impact of the #MeToo movement, which gained momentum following the release of the popular Netflix show “Wave Makers.” The series exposed the struggle of harassment victims in Taiwan against powerful perpetrators and a work culture that often prioritizes silence. 

President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s first female leader, and her DPP have been compelled to apologize for misconduct allegations against party members. Several officials have stepped down, including the deputy secretary-general who was suspended for mishandling a victim’s case in the past. The KMT, aiming to position itself as an alternative to the DPP, has pledged to investigate a former reporter’s allegations of sexual harassment against a party grandee and lawmaker. 

The impact of these harassment scandals on the January elections remains uncertain, as experts believe that China-Taiwan relations will continue to dominate the campaign. However, recent polls suggest that the DPP’s popularity has suffered, dropping to 24.6% from 31.1% in May, while the KMT has fallen to third place behind the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP). The TPP has capitalized on the ruling party’s abuse scandals and is attracting younger voters with its alternative stance on Beijing-leaning policies. 

Taiwan’s #MeToo movement is unique in several ways. Unlike in other countries, it was not an immediate response to the global movement in 2017 but gained traction in recent months. One distinctive aspect is the inclusion of male accusers and public denials from some of the accused. Taiwanese society’s cultural norms around physical contact and boundaries have also posed challenges for defining harassment. Actions that may be deemed inappropriate in other countries have often been dismissed or normalized in Taiwan as merely “eating tofu.” 

Nevertheless, the movement has initiated changes in Taiwanese culture, prompting self-reflection and challenging long-established power imbalances. Survivors continue to come forward with their stories, despite the potential for backlash and denial from some perpetrators. Social media has played a significant role in providing a platform for victims to share their experiences and bypass institutional barriers.