The first demonstration in Taiwan in support of the #MeToo Movement, which has become a global phenomenon, was held at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall on April 21. Called “Go the Second Mile, #MeToo March, GOH Stands Behind You,” around 2,000 people wore masks and marched under the hot sun around the CKS Memorial Hall for two kilometers. They were speaking out for every child and woman in Taiwan who has suffered from sexual assault and encouraged victims to tell their stories.

As part of the campaign to crush gender and sexual violence, The Garden of Hope Foundation (GOH) asked all participants to wear masks during the march, which took around 40 minutes. Once everyone was back at the starting line, they threw their masks into the air and shouted, “One, #MeToo March, we stand behind you,” “Two, remember the first seeds of hope and end sexual violence,” “Three, I will not be silent because it is not my fault,” “Four, stop blaming the victim,” “Five, my body my choice,” “Six, you are not alone for I am here,” “Seven, MeToo, with You,” and, “ Eight, gender justice walks with me,” bringing the event to its climax.

GOH CEO Chi Hui-jung explained that the masks represent the gender-branding each person has to carry, and throwing them into the air symbolizes the casting away of stereotypes and branding associated with gender and sexual harm. It also implies that every victim of gender/sexual violence and discrimination can be reborn with the support of society and reach the “second mile” of a new life. Many countries have broken past these traditional barriers with their #MeToo movements by listening to victims and exposing perpetrators. But the #MeToo Movement has yet to take off in Taiwan, so the purpose of the march was to topple the obstacles. Chi also expressed her hope that the #MeToo March will remind people of GOH’s determination and passion while fighting child prostitution in the past. In order to refresh the memories of some people and allow others who did not take part to learn about the anti-child prostitution movement, GOH set up a wall of photos right in front of the main gate in Liberty Square, displaying the historical and memorable photos of the Ten Thousand Race. As a response to the current global #MeToo Movement, this march had special meaning because of its link to past movements that supported victims of sexual exploitation.