TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A press conference on the annual assessment of the Amendment to the Gender Equality in Employment Act reported that victims of workplace sexual harassment have found it difficult to access resources. 

On Thursday, NGOs pointed out the act said departments should integrate resources, but victims reported needing to access services individually, per CNA. Since there is no integrated service for investigating sexual harassment claims and accessing care, victims must repeat their stories to each service worker, exacerbating their psychological trauma. 

Garden of Hope Foundation Deputy CEO Wang Shu-fen (王淑芬) said the women’s NGO received 1,063 phone calls last year from victims questioning how to get resources. It found that much-needed resources could not be found in one place. 

Modern Women's Foundation Executive Secretary Wu Tzu-ying (吳姿瑩) said 60% of sexual harassment cases that went through the labor ministry from January to June 2024 were not adequately addressed. This means hundreds of workplace sexual harassment cases still go unreported. 

Garden of Hope Foundation CEO Wang Yue-hao (王玥好) also emphasized increased professional training, which currently consists of two or three days of coursework, for those who investigate cases. The labor database contains over 1,600 people, but companies reported difficulty finding suitable professionals to handle case matters.

The NGOs will propose updated amendments to the relevant ministries this month.