TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) unveiled its "100 Women 2024" list on Tuesday (Dec. 3), highlighting Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislator Huang Jie (黃捷) as the sole Taiwanese honoree. Recognized for her advocacy of gender equality, Huang made history in January by winning the legislative election and becoming Taiwan's first openly LGBTQ+ female legislator.
Since its inception in 2013, the BBC 100 Women award has celebrated 100 women worldwide who excel in various fields. Huang was noted for driving significant reforms throughout her political career, including advocating for reproductive rights for single women and lesbian couples. She has also emphasized the need for further legislation to address period poverty and publicly came out as a lesbian in 2023.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including being a victim of AI-generated deepfake pornography, Huang has called for stronger laws to combat digital sexual violence. "True resilience lies in embracing diversity. The more voices we include, the stronger we become - especially those once considered weak, women and LGBTQ+," she said.
Other women on the list include Japanese star Naomi Watanabe, astronaut Sunita Williams, sexual violence survivor Gisèle Pelicot, actress Sharon Stone, singer Raye, and climate activist Adenike Oladosu.
