Overturning the Stereotype! Taiwan Girls' Day - Girls of the Mountains Share Their Lives

    In response to the United Nation's call for women's rights, Taiwan celebrates "Taiwan Girls' Day" every October 11, the day set by the UN as the International Day of the Girl Child. On the day before Taiwan Girls' Day, the Forestry Bureau specially invited female forest rangers, plant specimen collectors, and drivers who are engaged in forestry work to gather together to let the public learn about the working conditions of women in the mountains and forests. They also showed their fearlessness in taking on challenges and going against the stereotype of "women's power". It is hoped that public workplace gender prejudice can be overturned through the experience sharing of the girls.
    The Forestry Bureau shoulders the important responsibility of protecting Taiwan's mountains and forests. Duties such as forest patrol management, fire prevention, wildlife and plant conservation, afforestation, and plant specimen collection have always been considered rough and dangerous work, and traditionally, women were not encouraged to take part in such work. But is it true that women really "can't handle it"? The Forestry Bureau specially held the "Girl Revamped - Creating My Life's Blueprint" Forum today (5th) and invited female forest rangers, plant specimen collectors, and drivers, as well as renowned writer Mr. Tsai Shi-ping to join the discussion. They shared their individual work experiences in protecting the forests of Taiwan, restoration and afforestation, and driving diesel locomotives in the mountains. A short film documentary on the work of the girls of the mountain and forests produced for this event was also played. Through their career choices that go completely against traditional concepts, we hope to encourage more girls to be true to themselves and bravely pursue their dreams.
    As a plant specimen collector, Wu Pei-fen said that an experience that left a deep impression on her was a tree-climbing task. When she accidentally fell from a tree almost 10 meters tall, all she could see was the sky moving further and further away from the tree. Fortunately, she was caught by the rope about 1 meter from the ground. Ke Ya-yun, a fellow plant specimen collector, shared that as she knows that there is a difference between male and female physical strength and muscular stamina, therefore, it takes long-term discipline in training to maintain physical fitness and self-motivation. Training herself to attain a better physical condition and feeling her involvement in the restoration of Taiwan's forestry industry through her work has given her a sense of accomplishment. Forest ranger Wang Xiu-qin from the Hualien Forest District Office also shared her experience of an accident on the road when she was out on patrol. Her motorbike spun out of control and she almost fell off a cliff, causing her to suffer from psychological trauma. Afterwards, with the help of her colleagues, she slowly regained her courage and finally was able to ride the motorbike and go on patrol once more. Liu Yi-ru, a "Bong Bong" Train driver at the Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area of the Luodong Forest District Office, shared that even though the engine is very heavy and she once doubted whether she could ever be competent for the job, after trying it out, she found that it was not as difficult as imagined. Seeing the happy smile of the tourists gives her the motivation to continue to work hard.
    Director General Lin Hwa-ching of the Forestry Bureau said that the Forestry Bureau has enhanced the various professional training sessions for forest rangers in recent years, not only to fulfill the responsibility of conservation and restoration of state-owned forest resources, but also to reduce the physical risks of the employees. The Forestry Bureau has always paid particular attention to the professionalism and safety of the personnel. Today, the female forest rangers, plant specimen collectors, and drivers who spoke have shown their courage, self-confidence, and professionalism in forestry work, proving that gender is not a restriction for one to engage in forestry work. They chose to create their own blueprint for life in this field, and strive to achieve their goals and present spectacular results.
    Lin Hwa-ching also stressed that the Forestry Bureau held the "Girl Revamped - Creating My Life's Blueprint" event just before Taiwan Girl's Day in the hopes that the public will see the diverse role of women in the forestry industry. In addition to patrolling the mountains and forests, there are also many different types of work, and all of these women have been quietly putting in their share of effort for the mountains and forests of Taiwan. Through this forum, it is also hoped that the concept of gender equality can take even deeper root in the public. If we are willing and put it into action, we will be able to break the rigid framework of stereotypes and present the new era of gender equality and diversified development in Taiwan.