TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — DPP legislator Huang Jie (黃捷) was named Tuesday (Dec. 3) as one of the BBC’s 100 Women of 2024, becoming the first Taiwanese political figure to make the list.

This year’s theme, “resilience,” honors women who are forging new paths and shaping the future amid a rapidly changing world, according to bbc100women. “True resilience lies in embracing diversity,” Huang told the BBC. 

“The more voices we include, the stronger we become - especially those once considered weak, women and LGBTQ+.” Huang thanked the BBC for the recognition, providing her with a platform to represent Taiwan on the global stage as a politician, she said in a Facebook post.

The BBC described Huang as a pioneer for gender equality. In January, she became Taiwan’s first openly LGBTQ+ legislator after winning a seat in parliament.

Throughout her career, Huang has advocated for key reforms, including fertility treatment rights for single women and lesbian couples. She has also called for stronger legislation to address period poverty and combat digital sexual violence.

Huang said her inclusion on the list sends a strong message to the world about Taiwan’s dedication to human rights and democracy. She acknowledged that despite ongoing political conflicts and challenges to democracy, the resilience of the Taiwanese has brought the nation to where it is today.

She reaffirmed her commitment to championing democratic values and human rights while advocating for Taiwan and gender equality globally. Huang emphasized that human rights are not only a universal language that connects Taiwan with the world but also a tool to overcome diplomatic barriers and the most significant distinction between Taiwan and China.