Gender and Judicial Reform

We are well aware that the issue of gender-based judicial reform goes far beyond this, and there are still many subjects we need to work on. We will continue to occasionally publish our advocacy actions on gender judicial reform and maintain cooperation with other civil society groups so that JRF remains subject to public scrutiny.

JRF ／ Speaking up for human rights

Gender Judicial Reform
Safeguarding a Diverse and Equal Judiciary

The Judicial Reform Foundation believes that a fair judiciary must maintain high sensitivity toward gender. From gender bias in the courtroom to gender blind spots in legal texts; from the judicial tracking of #MeToo to the identity rights of transgender individuals—we join hands with numerous civil society partners to promote a gender-friendly judicial environment.

Scope of Focus

100+

Advocacy Articles

2016

Actively Engaged Since

CEDAW

Core Basis

⚖️

Gender-Friendly
Judicial System

Monitoring workplace sexual harassment among judges and prosecutors; implementing CEDAW

🌹

Sexual Violence Prevention
and #MeToo

Amendments to laws on stalking, harassment, and sexual assault; protection of victims' rights

📱

Digital Sexual Violence
Prevention

Amendments concerning sexual privacy images; judicial monitoring of the RISU case

🌈

LGBTQ+
Rights and Diversity

Marriage equality; gender marker change without surgery; anti-discrimination advocacy

🧒

Child and Youth Sexual Assault
Protection

Amendments to extend the statute of limitations; assistance network improvement

🕊️

Marital Family Systems
and Historical Human Rights

Divorce system reform; historical justice for comfort women

Latest Focus ｜ CEDAW Fifth National Report

International Review of the Fifth CEDAW National Report (2026)

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) serves as our core basis for promoting gender judicial reform. In July 2026, the concluding observations of the international review of the fifth national report were released. JRF, together with 22 civil society organizations in the fields of women's rights, gender, human rights, disability, and law, held a joint press conference calling to "Deliver CEDAW conclusions, take action for reform, and reform in a timely manner." The JRF Gender Judicial Reform Working Group specifically pointed out the protective loopholes in the "sex- or gender-related" elements of the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act, and demanded that the Judicial Yuan comprehensively review and deepen judicial personnel training on the application of CEDAW, ensuring that conventions are no longer merely cited as a formality.

Post-meeting Press Release ｜ Civil Groups Call on Government to Actively Eliminate Gender Discrimination

Gender-Friendly Judicial System

For judicial authorities to effectively handle gender-related cases, they must first become gender-friendly themselves. We have long monitored the handling results of workplace sexual harassment involving judges and prosecutors, and through amicus curiae briefs and statements, demanded the implementation of CEDAW gender mainstreaming standards—tracking cases from Ch'en Hung-pin, Li Po-tao, to the 'Ms. Y' case up to the present, demanding that "no dismissal for sexual harassment" is no longer an unwritten rule of the Judicial Yuan.

Key Case: Disciplinary Court Workplace Sexual Harassment (Ms. Y Case)

A Disciplinary Court judge sexually harassed a female subordinate employee, yet the Disciplinary Court did not impose dismissal. JRF submitted an amicus curiae brief and a legal opinion, and issued a statement after the second-instance judgment, demanding the establishment of a gender-friendly judicial workplace.

Amicus Curiae Brief (First Instance) Legal Opinion (Appeal Instance) Second-Instance Judgment Statement

Press ReleaseThe Absurd Women's Day Drama in the Disciplinary Court—Press Conference on the Retrial of Judge Ch'en Hung-pin's Case

Press ReleaseControl Yuan Investigation Report on Judge Ch'en Chih-hsiang's Case Released!

Press ReleaseNo Dismissal for Harassing Judges, No Prosecution for Raping Migrant Workers—Gender Judicial Reform Alliance Press Conference

Statement[Gender Judicial Reform Alliance] Statement on Gender Judicial Reform Vanishing into Thin Air

Press ReleaseDo Not Take Judicial MeToo Lightly—Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Former Disciplinary Court President Li Po-tao

Press ReleaseJudicial Monitoring and Challenges in the Post-#MeToo Era

StatementStatement on the Judgment of the Kaohsiung Fongshan Police Officer Sexual Harassment Case

StatementJRF Written Statement on Prohibiting Sexual Harassment

Sexual Violence Prevention and #MeToo

We participated in the legislative advocacy for the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act, and held a press conference upon its third anniversary to promote legal amendments. At the same time, we continue to focus on the privacy protection of sexual assault victims and countermeasures against defamation lawsuits, producing self-help manuals for parties involved. Following the outbreak of Taiwan's #MeToo movement in 2023, we actively documented and supported victims, while tracking how the judiciary responds to sexual violence trauma.

Press ReleaseThird Anniversary of the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act—Initiating Amendment Discussions to Restore Peace to Victims!

CaseCase Summary ｜ Discussion on Amendments to the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act

CommentaryChallenges to be Faced After the Passage of the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act

CommentaryThe Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act's Obsession with Sex or Gender Exacerbates Police Enforcement Difficulties

GuideWhat to Do When My Name Is Disclosed in a Judgment? A Guide to Sexual Assault Privacy Protection

ManualSelf-Help Manual ｜ What to Do When Sued for Defamation After Exposing #MeToo?

StatementJoint Statement ｜ Please Stop Circulating Sexual Assault Videos—Taipei Main Station Incident

CommentarySidelights ｜ #MeToo: A Survivor's Confession

CommentaryThe Vacancy Outside the System: Huang Ch'i-yu's Unfinished Dialogue with #MeToo

CommentaryFrom Speaking Out to Being Sued: Li Tzu-t'ung and the Institutional Collision Behind #MeToo

Press ReleaseSolidarity ｜ The Truth That Is Hard to Surface: When the Judiciary Ignores Sexual Violence Trauma

CommentaryReflections on the Legislative Amendment Process of the Chapter on Offenses Against Sexual Autonomy—Using the White Rose Movement as a Turning Point

CommentaryAn Uncommon Daily Life: The Vulnerable Plight of Female Migrant Workers

III

Digital Sexual Violence Prevention

Facing cases of illegal dissemination of sexual privacy images, JRF actively participated in the "Four-Law Joint Defense" amendments, proposing a civil society draft version that demands the inclusion of the "offense of threatening to disseminate sexual privacy images" to protect vulnerable victims. Simultaneously, we tracked the RISU defamation lawsuit case, exposing the phenomenon of "secondary victimization through litigation as a tool."

Key Case: "Four-Law Joint Defense" Civil Society Legislative Amendment Advocacy

The government promoted amendments to four laws: the Criminal Code, the Crime Victim Rights Protection Act, the Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act, and the Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act for Children and Youths; JRF proposed a civil society draft to patch the loopholes in the Executive Yuan's version, demanding the addition of the "offense of threatening dissemination" and the expansion of the protection order system.

Civil Society Draft Press Conference Amendment Advocacy Booklet Amendment Progress Quick Guide Attached Resolution (Sexual Assault Prevention Act) Attached Resolution (Criminal Code)

Key Case: RISU Sexual Privacy Image Defamation Lawsuit Case

Exposing that victims in the RISU sexual privacy image groups were counter-sued for defamation, JRF continued to recruit court observers to document how the judiciary handles such cases, calling for attention to the plight of victims facing secondary victimization through lawsuits.

Criminal Appeal Instance Court Observation Criminal Second Instance Oral Argument Hearing Insights Civil Second Instance Preparation Proceedings

StatementJoint Statement ｜ When Will the "Purgatory of Youth" Disappear? Digital Sexual Violence Legislation Must Be Improved Promptly

Press ReleaseJoint Statement ｜ In the Wake of the Reporting Wave in the RISU Sexual Privacy Image Groups...

Press ReleasePress Conference ｜ Witnessing the Physical and Mental Trauma and Practical Plight of Digital Sexual Violence Victims

LGBTQ+ Rights and Diversity

We support marriage equality and the identity autonomy of transgender individuals, believing that the law should not engage in systematic differential treatment for those of different sexual orientations or gender identities. In addition to statements and litigation support, we have also supported the Taiwan Pride parade and opposed administrative public power degenerating into a tool for discrimination—with the Body Fresh case in 2026 being a recent example.

Key Case: Kaohsiung Hsiao-Na Gender Marker Change Without Surgery Case (Won)

The Ministry of the Interior required transgender individuals to surgically remove their sex organs before they could change their household registration gender. JRF considered this mandatory surgery requirement to violate bodily autonomy and fail to meet CEDAW standards. We provided court observation, a legal opinion by Professor Chen Yi-chien (Ch'en I-ch'ien), and joined civil groups in demanding an investigation by the Control Yuan. In 2024, the Hsiao-Na case was won, marking an important milestone for transgender rights in Taiwan.

Court Observation (First Instance) Legal Opinion by Professor Chen Yi-chien Joint Statement on Mandatory Surgery Being Unconstitutional Statement on Winning the Hsiao-Na Case

StatementSupporting Amendments for Same-Sex Marriage to Protect Constitutional Rights to Equality—Statement

Press ReleaseSupporting Body Fresh—Protesting Executive Power Degenerating into a Tool for Discrimination

SpeechSpeech by Li Ling-wei ｜ 22nd 2024 Taiwan LGBT Pride

SpeechSpeech Draft ｜ 2025 Taiwan LGBT Pride

EventLecture ｜ Stepping Beyond Legal Limitations: Pursuing Autonomy and Equality in Transgender Rights

Child and Youth Sexual Assault Protection

Children and youths are the most vulnerable victims in sexual assault cases. An excessively short statute of limitations allows perpetrators to "hide behind time." JRF proposed a civil society draft version and actively advocated for extending the statute of limitations for child and youth sexual offenses. In 2026, the third reading of Article 80 of the Criminal Code was passed, changing the calculation of the statute of limitations for underage victims to start from age 20, taking the first step toward reform. We also continue to monitor whether relevant assistance networks in major cases fulfill their due protective functions.

StatementThird Reading of Article 80 of the Criminal Code Passed: Taking the First Step in Reforming the Statute of Limitations for Child and Youth Sexual Assault

DraftDraft Amendments to Extend the Statute of Limitations for Child and Youth Sexual Offenses (Civil Society Version)

CommentaryDo Not Let Those Who Harm Children and Youths Hide Behind Time—Criminal Law Reform to "Shift the Shame"

CommentaryStatute of Limitations for Child and Youth Sexual Offenses to Be Extended! Truly Valuing Victims Also Requires Considering These 3 Details

Press ReleaseAssistance Networks for Major Child and Youth Sexual Indecency Cases Frequently Flounder—Is It Really Just Insufficient Training?

Marital Family Systems Reform and Historical Human Rights

The reform of the marital system is directly related to women's economic security. JRF is concerned about the missing complementary measures in the breakdown divorce system, proposed a civil society draft amendment to the Chapter on Relatives, and advocated for the inclusion of pensions in property distribution to protect economically disadvantaged spouses. In addition, we have long supported historical justice for comfort women grandmothers, allowing victims of historical sexual violence to be seen through exhibitions and forums.

DraftDraft Amendments to the Chapter on Relatives of the Civil Code (Civil Society Version, Latest)

Press ReleaseLegal Opinion ｜ Ministry of Justice Pre-announces Draft Amendments to the "Chapter on Relatives of the Civil Code"

CommentaryMarriage Moving from Status to Contract: Why Must Pensions Be Included in the Distribution of Surplus Property?

Commentary2,500 Judicial Divorces Annually—Where Are the Complementary Measures for Economically Disadvantaged Spouses?

EventGrandma's House in Taichung ｜ Peace and Women's Human Rights Special Exhibition Series Forums (2022)

Press ReleasePress Conference on "The History of Taiwanese 'Comfort Women' Should Be Included in the National Archives"

CommentarySidelights ｜ From Comfort Women to #MeToo Pioneers—The Journey of Women's Rights

★

Special Project ｜ "PRIMA FACIE" Special Exhibition (2026)

In 2026, the JRF Taichung Office hosted the "PRIMA FACIE" special exhibition. Starting from the real experiences of #MeToo survivors, it re-examined the judiciary's role in gender violence through art and dialogue. The special exhibition concurrently held seminars and extended series of activities, grandly opening in Taichung with the exhibition running until January 16, 2027.

ExhibitionSpecial Exhibition Homepage—PRIMA FACIE (Exhibition through 2027/01/16)

EventExtended Series Activities

SeminarSeminar ｜ How to Live in the "Post-#MeToo Era"

Press ReleasePost-Opening Press Release for the Special Exhibition in Taichung

SidelightsSidelights ｜ When the Law Becomes a Tool for Secondary Victimization—Curator Li Tzu-t'ung Discusses Trauma

📋 Core Reference Laws and Resources

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)—Core international standards for gender judicial reform
Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act—Enacted in 2022, with ongoing advocacy for legislative improvements
Crime Victim Rights Protection Act—Legal basis for protection orders for digital sexual violence victims
Chapter on Offenses Against Sexual Privacy and Non-Consensual Sexual Images of the Criminal Code—Amended and passed in 2023, the fruit of civil society advocacy
Article 80 of the Criminal Code on the Statute of Limitations—Amended in 2026, changing the calculation for child and youth sexual assault to start from age 20
Enforcement Act of Judicial Yuan Interpretation No. 748—Protecting same-sex marriage, passed in 2019, the first in Asia

Join Us in Promoting a Gender-Friendly Judiciary

Judicial reform requires the participation of every citizen. Welcome to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments, or donate to support our ongoing gender judicial reform advocacy work.

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Last Modified: July 21, 2026

14Jul.
2026

Case Summaries｜Discussions on Amendments to the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act

Compiled by Attorney Hsu Mei-ken

Illustrating through three cases the regulatory gap regarding the 'sex or gender' requirement under the current…

29Jun.
2026

Sidelights | The Distance Between Punishment and Healing: Rethinking Justice for MeToo Survivors

Checked by P'eng Jen-yü (Associate Research Fellow, Institute of Ethnology, Academia Sinica); Written by Liao Hsiang-wei (Pro Bono Volunteer, New York State)

"Can the judiciary truly offer victims an opportunity to breathe and heal?" In recent years, the MeToo movement has…

23Jun.
2026

JRF Gender Working Group Highlights | Controversy Surrounding the Draft Act on Gestational Surrogacy

Checked by Li Ming-ju; Edited by Lin Ch'eng-ch'ing, Ch'en I-ch'iao, Hsieh Yü-hsiu, Lin Yen-yü, Huang Szu-ning, Lin Chün-i, Chang K'ai-yü, Lin I-jung, Lin Yün-yen

In January 2026, the issue of gestational surrogacy sparked renewed debate in Taiwan. Opponents argue that commercial…

05May.
2026

Sidelights | The Difficulty of Language: Looking at Gender-Based Harm through the Lens of Shame

JRF Taichung Office

Beyond the "perfect story" demanded by the judiciary and public opinion, can we build a public language that genuinely…

09Apr.
2026

Sidelights | When the Law Becomes a Tool for Secondary Victimization: Curator Li Tzu-tung Discusses the Truth and Trauma of "What We Thought We Knew"

Taichung Office, Judicial Reform Foundation

The special exhibition "What We Thought We Knew" is not only an art exhibition, but also a profound reflection on…

11Mar.
2026

Op-Ed | From Status to Contract: Why Pensions Must Be Included in the Distribution of Surplus Property When Liberalizing Divorce Laws

Teng Yu-hsuan (Pro Bono Attorney, Gender Legal Reform Special Committee, JRF), Lin Cheng-ching (Research Specialist, Legal Policy Department, JRF)

On March 24, 2023, the Constitutional Court issued Judgment No. 4 of the Constitutional Court of 2023 (112 Con. C. Jud.…

06Nov.
2025

Opinion | When Regulations Still Bear the Name of "Eugenics": Reflecting on Taiwan's Reproductive Policy Through the Retrogression of Abortion Rights in the United States

Chuang Tzu-hsuan (Pro Bono Lawyer, Gender Group, Judicial Reform Foundation), Lin Cheng-ching (Research Specialist, Judicial Reform Foundation)

In August 2025, a citizen initiated a proposal on the Public Policy Network Participation Platform to "delete the…

04Nov.
2025

Op-Ed | The Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Offenses is Set to Be Extended! To Truly Value Victims' Rights, 3 More Details Require Consideration

Lü Cheng-yen (Attorney at Law, Director of the Policy Department, Judicial Reform Foundation)

Thanks to the courageous advocacy and voices of victims, the Ministry of Justice has finally announced the draft…

28Oct.
2025

Op-Ed | One-Third Is Not a Ceiling, "It Is a Floor": The Gender Reality of Taiwan's Cabinet

Teng Yü-hsuan / Pro bono lawyer, Gender Legal Reform Special Committee, JRF

In August 2025, the Premier promoted a Cabinet reshuffle in which only 2 out of the 16 new cabinet members were women.…

19Sep.
2025

Opinion: Do Not Let Those Who Harm Children Hide Behind Time—Criminal Law Reform on the Statute of Limitations Aims to "Shift the Shame"

Sung I-hsin (Standing Executive Committee Member of the Judicial Reform Foundation, Lawyer at the Taipei Branch of the Legal Aid Foundation), Lin Ch'eng-ch'ing (Bills Assistant Researcher at the Judicial Reform Foundation)

Taiwan's #MeToo movement kicked off in May 2023 with a political worker speaking out, spreading from politics to media,…

15Sep.
2025

Op-Ed | Where Are the Supporting Measures for the 2,500 Judicial Divorce Cases Each Year? How to Protect Economically Vulnerable Spouses?

Lin Chê-ch'en (Pro Bono Lawyer, Gender Judicial Reform Special Project Group, Judicial Reform Foundation), Patty Teng (Associate Researcher, Judicial Reform Foundation)

In March 2023, the Constitutional Court rendered Interpretation No. 4 of 2023 (the "Irretrievable Breakdown Divorce…

29May.
2025

Does the Law Stand on the Side of the Egg? Domestic and International Observations and Reflections on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs)

Text | Lin Cheng-ching Researcher, Chuang Tzu-hsuan Attorney, Clarence Chou Attorney, Lin Chun-yi Attorney; Editor | Lee Ming-ju Attorney; Photography | Hsieh Chia-chen, Miffy Jiang

"SLAPPs" refer to Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. According to definitions in the literature by…