A blog by Helen Yang, Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA)

“I was honoured to represent SIA Taiwan Region and participate in the LEAP (Leadership Acceleration Program) Workshop and Women’s Leadership Webinar. Held in person and online, from 28 September to 1 October 2020, the workshop connected women around the world to work together in shaping a future of gender equality.

Around 100 local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) representatives and young feminists seeking resources and partners for their gender initiatives attended. A further 13,00 attendees interested in women’s leadership as well as gender response on the COVID-19 joined online via the webinar.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic impedes many opportunities for international cooperation, and even threatens to roll back previous gains in women’s rights, the workshop provided a training programme that empowered personnel from NGOs to lead and transform local actions into global initiates for gender equality through solidarity networks.

Helen Lee (right) presents to the room. Helen is a researcher from Taiwan’s Foundation for Women’s Rights Promotion and Development (WRP) and a member from SIA Taiwan Region.

Learning from the new wave of online campaigns, LEAP participants have exchanged ideas on future trends of gender equality and been able to launch their campaigns. The discussions highlighted how we must continue to transform and adapt community solidarity initiatives effectively to an online space.”

To watch the livestream, click HERE.