Strengthening Sexual Harassment Prevention: Hsu Kuo-yung Says Many Cases Stem from Unintentional Jokes
The DPP held a sexual harassment prevention training session for staff, highlighting that unintentional jokes can cause harm. Leaders emphasized building a culture of self-discipline and safety.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 18:52
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Central News Agency
(CNA Reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 23rd) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) held its first sexual harassment prevention education and training for central party staff this year. DPP Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung stated that establishing a safe and friendly workplace culture is the foundation for an organization's sustainable development. Many sexual harassment cases often stem from "unintentional jokes" or a disregard for boundaries—such as excessively commenting on someone's appearance or taking photos in public to post with inappropriate remarks—which can all constitute sexual harassment.
The DPP issued a press release stating that to continuously strengthen gender equality and a friendly workplace culture within the party, the DPP invited lawyer Liao Hui-fang to serve as a lecturer today. Under the theme "Workplace Sexual Harassment Prevention and Practical Case Analysis," she guided staff to understand the risks of sexual harassment from the perspective of court rulings and to reflect on words and actions in daily interactions that might cause harm, aiming to build a more solid workplace safety net.
Hsu Kuo-yung expressed that in addition to following existing systems, one should establish correct concepts from within, gradually shifting from "external regulation" to "self-discipline" and strengthening self-regulation. He reiterated that the DPP is committed to becoming a benchmark for gender equality, and in personnel nominations, it will place great importance on whether candidates have a history of sexual harassment, reflecting the values of a progressive political party.
Liao Hui-fang pointed out that workplace sexual harassment takes many forms, including quid pro quo and hostile environment (power-based) harassment, and can occur outside of working hours or extend to clients and business contacts.
She used actual court cases to explain that actions such as evaluating someone's attire, telling sexually suggestive jokes, or taking stealth photos—even if the perpetrator subjectively thinks it's a "joke"—can constitute sexual harassment if they cause discomfort to others.
Liao emphasized that "joking is not a get-out-of-jail-free card for sexual harassment;" the key lies in whether one has crossed another person's boundaries and caused harm. Sharing practical cases, she noted that some victims only file complaints years later, showing the profound psychological impact of sexual harassment. She reminded everyone to heighten their sensitivity and avoid any words or actions that could cause harm.
Furthermore, Liao said that workplace bullying and sexual harassment can intersect in certain situations, especially when the bullying involves gender discrimination or sexual undertones, requiring careful handling. Citing court views, she noted that workplace bullying refers to behavior based on hostility or discrimination that continuously infringes upon another's personality or physical and mental health, reminding everyone to identify related risks and respond appropriately.
Li Yen-jung, Director of the DPP's Gender Equality Affairs Department, emphasized that creating a gender-friendly workplace is not just an institutional responsibility but requires the joint participation of every member. Whether as a directly involved party or a bystander, one should be able to respond appropriately at critical moments. She hopes that through ongoing training, the organization's understanding of gender issues will deepen, making the DPP a truly safe and respectful working environment. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150423
(CNA Reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 23rd) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) held its first sexual harassment prevention education and training for central party staff this year. DPP Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung stated that establishing a safe and friendly workplace culture is the foundation for an organization's sustainable development. Many sexual harassment cases often stem from "unintentional jokes" or a disregard for boundaries—such as excessively commenting on someone's appearance or taking photos in public to post with inappropriate remarks—which can all constitute sexual harassment.
The DPP issued a press release stating that to continuously strengthen gender equality and a friendly workplace culture within the party, the DPP invited lawyer Liao Hui-fang to serve as a lecturer today. Under the theme "Workplace Sexual Harassment Prevention and Practical Case Analysis," she guided staff to understand the risks of sexual harassment from the perspective of court rulings and to reflect on words and actions in daily interactions that might cause harm, aiming to build a more solid workplace safety net.
Hsu Kuo-yung expressed that in addition to following existing systems, one should establish correct concepts from within, gradually shifting from "external regulation" to "self-discipline" and strengthening self-regulation. He reiterated that the DPP is committed to becoming a benchmark for gender equality, and in personnel nominations, it will place great importance on whether candidates have a history of sexual harassment, reflecting the values of a progressive political party.
Liao Hui-fang pointed out that workplace sexual harassment takes many forms, including quid pro quo and hostile environment (power-based) harassment, and can occur outside of working hours or extend to clients and business contacts.
She used actual court cases to explain that actions such as evaluating someone's attire, telling sexually suggestive jokes, or taking stealth photos—even if the perpetrator subjectively thinks it's a "joke"—can constitute sexual harassment if they cause discomfort to others.
Liao emphasized that "joking is not a get-out-of-jail-free card for sexual harassment;" the key lies in whether one has crossed another person's boundaries and caused harm. Sharing practical cases, she noted that some victims only file complaints years later, showing the profound psychological impact of sexual harassment. She reminded everyone to heighten their sensitivity and avoid any words or actions that could cause harm.
Furthermore, Liao said that workplace bullying and sexual harassment can intersect in certain situations, especially when the bullying involves gender discrimination or sexual undertones, requiring careful handling. Citing court views, she noted that workplace bullying refers to behavior based on hostility or discrimination that continuously infringes upon another's personality or physical and mental health, reminding everyone to identify related risks and respond appropriately.
Li Yen-jung, Director of the DPP's Gender Equality Affairs Department, emphasized that creating a gender-friendly workplace is not just an institutional responsibility but requires the joint participation of every member. Whether as a directly involved party or a bystander, one should be able to respond appropriately at critical moments. She hopes that through ongoing training, the organization's understanding of gender issues will deepen, making the DPP a truly safe and respectful working environment. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150423