Many under-privileged girl learners in South Africa are often forced to
miss classes during their menstrual cycle because they cannot afford
sanitary towels. Representative Anthony Ho, Taiwan Representative to
South Africa, in cooperation with local political and education leaders,
donated sanitary towels on behalf of Taiwan Government and Taiwan
girls to one thousand girl learners at Phumulani Secondary School in
Katlehong, Gauteng on 12 October, 2021.
In his remarks, Representative Ho said the donation is to celebrate both
the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on October 10 and
UN’s International Day of the Girl Child on October 11.
He said that Taiwan places great emphasis on women’s empowerment
and Taiwan ranks first in Asia for gender equity and equality. Taiwan
President Tsai Ing-wen is the first female head of state among Mandarin-
speaking countries. About 42% of the legislators in Taiwan’s Legislative
Yuan are female. Nearly 45% of women in Taiwan have a college degree,
on par with the 48% of men. Women account for 44.5% of Taiwan’s labor
force, higher than most Asian countries.
Taiwan designated the 11th of October as Taiwan Girls’ Day since 2013
because Taiwan believes that women should not be subject to any
restriction because of gender. Women should have equal access to
education and employment opportunities, as well as the use of technology
as men.
Today’s donation is a response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to
promote women’s empowerment and reduce gender-based violence in
South Africa’s National Development Plan. Taiwan looks forward to
continued cooperation with South Africa in the area of gender equality.
Lastly, Representative Ho encouraged all South African girls by sharing
President Tsai’s remarks on this year’s Taiwan Girls’ Day. “I hope every
girl will be brave, fearless, proud and confident and continue to open up
more possibilities for their life.”
Mr. Baldwin Malebane, Principal of the school, expressed gratitude to
Taiwan Government and arranged teachers and students of the school to sing Happy Birthday song following the playing of the national anthem of
the Republic of China(Taiwan). They joined Representative Ho to cut a
birthday cake together to thank Taiwan’s help and to congratulate
Taiwan’s 110th birthday.
