The International Federation of Women Lawyers, Federación Internacional de Abogadas (FIDA), traces its origins to 1944. At that time, seven women jurists from the Americas, recognizing the importance of elevating the status of women and promoting gender equality, and also seeking to assist women lawyers in gaining acceptance within bar associations, resolved to establish an international organization for women in the legal profession. While attending an international legal conference held in Mexico, these jurists decided to found the organization known as “Federación Internacional de Abogadas”, abbreviated as FIDA. Its English name is “International Federation of Women Lawyers”, and its French name is “Fédération Internationale des Femmes Juristes”. This marked the origin of FIDA.
Members of FIDA include judges, attorneys, legal administrators, law professors, and students, though the organization is primarily composed of women. Male members of the legal profession or family members of members may also participate as “Friends of the Federation” and may attend biennialconferences, regional meetings, and other activities.
The establishment of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers dates back to 1990s. At that time, Professor Tseng-Chen Ming-Ju of the National Taiwan University College of Law observed that over the preceding two to three decades, an increasing number of outstanding women had emerged within Taiwan’s legal community. Professor Tseng-Chen firmly believed that by participating in FIDA and establishing a national chapter, Taiwan could foster international friendship and legal-cultural exchange, while also bringing Taiwan’s accomplished women legal professionals onto the international stage and allowing their contributions to be recognized globally. Guided by this vision, Professor Tseng-Chen, together with more than forty pioneers from the judiciary, academia, and legal practice, undertook the preparatory work to found the organization. As a result, the FIDA Republic of China Chapter (hereinafter referred to as “the Chapter”) was formally established in 1990, with Professor Tseng-Chen serving as its first President. The Chapter thus became a pioneering professional association founded through the collective efforts of Taiwan’s women in the legal profession.
Since its establishment in 1990, the Chapter has continuously upheld FIDA’s mission of promoting gender equality, safeguarding human rights, and encouraging professional legal exchange. Through active participation in the international community of women legal professionals and through cooperation with legal communities both domestically and abroad, the Chapter has gradually developed into an important platform for the exchange and collaboration of women legal professionals in Taiwan. In accordance with its organizational charter, the Chapter seeks to foster international friendship and to promote mutual understanding and cooperation among women legal professionals, while contributing to the advancement of gender equality and the development of legal systems.
From its early years, the Chapter actively participated in the affairs of the international federation by sending representatives to FIDA biennial conferences and international conferences. At these forums, members contributed legal perspectives and policy recommendations on issues such as gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and women’s human rights, thereby presenting the voices and contributions of Taiwan’s women legal professionals on the international stage. Such international engagement has strengthened friendships between Taiwan and women legal professionals around the world and enhanced the visibility of Taiwan’s legal community in global discussions on women’s rights.
Domestically, the Chapter has long organized legal symposia, forums, and lectures addressing a wide range of issues, including gender equality, family law, labor rights, assisted reproduction, and the intersection of law and medicine. It has also collaborated with academic institutions and professional organizations to advance research and reform in legal systems. Through joint conferences with university law schools and professional groups, the Chapter has facilitated dialogue between academia and legal practice while nurturing a new generation of women legal professionals.
In addition, the Chapter has contributed to public discourse through publications and columns, including platforms such as Women’s New Horizons (婦女新天地), where legal research, policy commentary, and discussions on women’s human rights are published. Through these efforts in knowledge sharing and professional exchange, the Chapter has become an important venue for communication and mentorship across different generations of women in the legal profession.
In the realm of public advocacy, the Chapter also addresses emerging issues affecting women’s rights in contemporary society. For example, it has drawn attention to challenges posed by online harassment and digital gender-based violence in the digital era, calling upon society to confront these issues from legal and institutional perspectives. Working together with international women’s legal organizations, the Chapter advocates for measures to prevent such harms and to strengthen legal protections.
Looking forward, the Chapter will continue to bring together the professional expertise of judges, lawyers, legal scholars, and legal practitioners. By deepening international exchanges, advancing gender equality in legal systems, cultivating women legal professionals, and addressing emerging issues involving technology and human rights, the Chapter aims to play an increasingly active role within the global network of women legal professionals and to contribute to the development of the rule of law and human rights in Taiwan.