TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) delivered the keynote speech at the 25th Federation of Asian-Pacific Women’s Association Conference on Tuesday in Taipei, according to the Presidential Office.

Hsiao thanked the organization for its long-term efforts to promote gender equality, which she described not only as a social issue but also as a cornerstone of national progress. “When women can contribute in various fields, society becomes stronger and more resilient,” she said.

Hsiao praised FAWA for more than six decades of uniting women across the Asia-Pacific region and laying the groundwork for women to play vital roles in politics, business, and society. These achievements, she said, have transformed communities and inspired generations of women to dream and take bold action.

Women have been a driving force behind Taiwan’s progress, Hsiao said. “Whether in politics, academia, business, or technology, women are constantly breaking boundaries, shaping the future, and demonstrating their power to create change with wisdom, resilience, and empathy,” she said.

Reflecting on her own career in public service, Hsiao said she believes women’s contributions make society more resilient and better prepared to face challenges. She was encouraged by growing female political participation in the Asia-Pacific region, citing Japan’s recent appointment of a female prime minister and an increasing number of organizations embracing diverse voices.

Hsiao acknowledged that challenges such as climate change, technological transformation, and demographic shifts continue to impact women’s lives and choices. She said FAWA serves as a valuable platform for women to share experiences, learn from one another, and work toward a more equitable and sustainable society.

With this year’s conference theme focusing on AI, Hsiao highlighted the achievements of Taiwanese women in technology communities such as GiCS and TechWomen. She said Taiwan hosts such events to encourage more women to pursue careers in technology, a field where they remain underrepresented.

“In this era of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, women are fully capable of using technological tools to become the world’s problem solvers,” she said.

Recalling Taiwan’s political progress, Hsiao noted that when she first entered the Legislative Yuan over 20 years ago, women made up about 20% of legislators. When she stepped down five years ago, that figure had risen to over 40%.

“In 2016, Taiwan elected its first female president, and in 2024, I was honored to be elected its second female vice president,” she said. “These milestones are more than just numbers; they reflect society’s growing confidence in women’s leadership and influence.”

In closing, Hsiao expressed gratitude to FAWA for hosting the conference in Taiwan, saying it provided an opportunity to showcase the passion and strength of Taiwanese women. She called for continued cooperation to create a more inclusive and hopeful future where women can fully realize their potential.