The changing status of women in Taiwan: A conscious and collective struggle toward equality

TLDR: The women's emancipation of Chinese women began in the late 19th century, as female resources were first tapped to increase productivity and strengthen national defense in the face of Western invasion as mentioned in this paper.

Abstract: The emancipation of Chinese women began in the late 19th century, as female resources were first tapped to increase productivity and strengthen national defense in the face of Western invasion. In the past century, women's movements in China and Taiwan usually took place in the context of drastic social changes and were interwined with other social movements. The contemporary Women's Movement in Taiwan started in the 1970s, earlier than other social movement but correlated with the Democratic Movement in time. The two stages of the Women's Movement marked its growth and the changing social environment. Although women's status in Taiwan has improved over the decades, equal partnership for women and men in all aspects of social life remains a goal to work for. Having cleared some old obstacles, the recent political liberalization on the island signifies a new chance for success for the Women's Movement.