TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Political commentator Lee Cheng-hao (李正皓) on Monday said Democratic Progressive Party Department of Gender Equality Director Lee Yen-jong (李晏榕) is unfit for office and vowed to file a formal complaint with the party.
Lee Cheng-hao cited remarks by Lee Yen-jong during a 2023 press conference in which she reportedly urged male attendees to support Legislator Wang Yi-chuan (王義川) and female attendees to support Sophiyah Liu (劉柏君) ahead of the 2024 general election, per NOWnews.
He argued the comments, along with a separate statement praising a venue “with nothing but women,” were offensive to male reporters, staff, and participants. He claimed the remarks reflect a “problematic view” of gender equality and alleged misandry, making Lee Yen-jong unfit for her position.
The criticism comes amid controversy over Wang Yi-chuan’s comments about Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) during her visit to disaster-affected areas. Wang’s remarks were criticized within and outside the DPP, and later acknowledged by him, which the gender equality department noted in a public statement, per UDN.
The department’s handling of the matter also drew pushback. DPP New Taipei City Councilor Chuo Kuan-ting (卓冠廷) argued Wang was not given a chance to explain himself before the department responded. Some DPP supporters further criticized Lee Yen-jong, with insinuations about her being influenced by her Hong Kong-born husband, per ETtoday.
New Power Party Chair Wang Wan-yu (王婉諭) weighed in Saturday, saying political criticism should focus on policy rather than appearance, per ETtoday. She noted the pro-democracy movement during martial law sought to advance broad social issues, including women’s and labor rights, and highlighted the key role women played in the recent pro-recall campaign. She expressed surprise at the intensity of criticism toward the DPP gender equality department, arguing it reflects how unfamiliar much of Taiwanese society remains with the challenges women face.
Following the department’s statement on Wang Yi-chuan, members of his faction — including Chuo and others in the Taiwan Normal Country Promotion Association — began rallying to his defense, per CMedia. DPP insiders said Facebook groups linked to former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and former Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) amplified the department’s criticism, fueling speculation about factional maneuvering.
Some insiders suggested acting DPP Secretary-General Ho Po-wen (何博文) may have sought to undermine Wang, while others said the department acted independently, complicating matters for Ho.
Insiders also noted Lee Yen-jong joined the DPP after previously affiliating with the Social Democratic Party. Her background as a lawyer and lack of deep factional ties were cited as reasons she may not be beholden to any specific bloc. Others suggested her actions stem from personal ideological beliefs, with factions aligned with Tsai and Su responding opportunistically.
