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CALD Women Mentorship Program Launches in Taipei

On August 8, 2025, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom launched the Asian Women Education Mentorship Program (AWE), aimed to help young women grow in their public leadership roles and strengthen democratic resilience across Asia. For this three-month program, FNF SOOA bring together the expertise of our long-term partners CALD Women’s Caucus and the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan (DPP).

The inaugural mentee cohort includes young women leaders from the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, Myanmar, and Taiwan, all with proven track records in advocacy, community leadership, and political engagement. Their work spans public health, women’s economic empowerment, indigenous rights, anti-corruption efforts, and education reform.

Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim joined us to kick-off the mentorship program with an intensive three-day workshop. She welcomed CALD’s efforts to strengthen democracy in Asia and emphasized the critical role of women and youth.

“Only through youth and women can democracy remain innovative and resilient in overcoming difficult times,” she said.

We were also joined by Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, 14th Vice President of the Philippines and current Mayor of Naga City; Jaslyn Go, Chairperson of the CALD Women’s Caucus; Rachada Dhnadirek, Advisor to the Democrat Party’s Leader in Thailand; Alysa Wen-li Chiu, Deputy Director of the DPP’s Department of International Affairs; and Concepcion “Chit” Claravall Asis, veteran women’s rights advocate and political strategist.

To share lessons learned, the DPP’s Gender Equality Department hosted a special panel featuring three of the party’s leading women:

• Legislator Fan Yun, shared her experience in high-profile sexual harassment cases, overcoming public prejudice, and achieving legal victories.
• Legislator Ngalim Tiunn, spoke about navigating politics as a woman and mother, challenging societal expectations, and breaking gender barriers.
• Lee Yen-jong, DPP’s Director of Gender Equality, recounted confronting misogynistic remarks from political opponents and within her own party.

The panel offered insights on balancing women’s rights advocacy with party responsibilities, and managing public perception while standing firm on principles.

Program mentors Jaslyn Go and Rachada Dhnadirek spent two intensive days with the mentees to establish rapport and set the foundation for the three-month mentorship. Over the coming months, participants will join four online workshops aimed at upgrading their skills, tackling political challenges, and strengthening their leadership.

Closing the event, Thekla Ebbert from FNF SOOA expressed gratitude to all speakers, mentors, coaches, and mentees for their passion and commitment. The program will conclude with a graduation in Bangkok in October 2025, where mentees will present their journeys and share how professional guidance is shaping their political growth.

Stay tuned for more updates!