Promoting Sustainable Gender Equality: NSYSU Hosts Cross-University Workshop Series

To address the pressing ecological challenges of our time, the United Nations has outlined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among them, "Gender Equality" (SDG 5) and "Reduced Inequalities" (SDG 10) emphasize the importance of achieving gender equality in driving sustainable development. To accelerate the realization of SDGs, countries worldwide are embracing the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) movement, calling for people to re-examine their inner values and core qualities. In this spirit, the Aerosol Science Research Center (ASRC) of National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), in collaboration with the Si-Wan Women Faculty Club, Taiwan Kaohsiung IDG Hub, The Society of Taiwan Women in Science and Technology, and NSYSU Office of Personnel Services, organized the "SDGs x IDGs" workshop series—Co-creating an IDEAL Campus Environment of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. The workshops explored topics such as campus gender equity, integrating SDGs and IDGs to achieve an IDEAL campus, art curation themed on the #MeToo movement, and balancing multiple personal roles.

Professor Chia C. Wang, Director of NSYSU's ASRC and Chair of the Si-Wan Women Faculty Club, designed the workshops. She explained that IDEAL is an extension of IDE, literally meaning "ideal." Its five letters stand for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Appreciation, and Love—essential elements for building not only an ideal campus but also a sustainable human environment. NSYSU President Chih-Peng Li, in his opening remarks, stressed that gender-friendly equality is a crucial pillar of university governance. Since taking office, he has adhered to the "Artistic & Inclusive, Advanced & Innovative" (AI) ² philosophy, aiming to develop NSYSU into an inclusive, diverse, and humanistic environment infused with artistic vitality.

Professor Ching-Li Yang from NSYSU's Department of Sociology gave a talk titled "Campus Gender Equity: Laws and Responses," introducing the newly passed Gender Equity Laws and sharing examples of campus gender-related cases, raising participants' awareness and competence on gender issues. Professor Wang illustrated the idea with a metaphor: "Like aerosols, though invisible to the naked eye, they are closely interconnected with Earth's systems and profoundly affect everyone's living environment." Similarly, individuals' thoughts, inner values, and behaviors constantly influence those around them. Practicing IDEAL not only echoes the SDGs' emphasis on reducing inequalities but also requires key IDG skills such as inclusive thinking, appreciation, empathy, and compassion. These IDG qualities have often been labeled as feminine traits; however, every individual, regardless of gender, embodies both masculine and feminine characteristics. Reawakening these key feminine traits in everyone can help society move toward creating an IDEAL environment. Wang also referenced international studies highlighting gender bias and stereotypes that female scientists may encounter during their academic and professional development, and shared strategies for cultivating gender-equal workplace cultures by strengthening IDG skills.

Professor Pei-Kuei Tsai, Director of the Graduate Institute of Interdisciplinary Art at National Kaohsiung Normal University, shared her art exhibition themed on the #MeToo movement. Titled "Interested Persons," the exhibition reflects the idea that no one is an outsider to social issues—everyone lives within relationships and is thus a "interested person." The exhibition explored each individual's role and influence in the #MeToo context, encouraging participants to reflect upon and reshape values of equality, inclusiveness, and mutual respect in human interactions. Professor Mei-Yi Liao from the Department of Applied Chemistry at National Pingtung University spoke about finding balance among science, family, and self through her personal experiences, highlighting the importance of connecting roles and responding flexibly to challenges. She emphasized, "Never forget your original self," as only through deep self-understanding can one find true balance. The event also featured a violin performance by Professor Hui-Fen Wu from NSYSU's Department of Chemistry, accompanied by long-sleeve dance by instructor Yi-Ching Li, offering participants a feast of visual and auditory enjoyment.

Professor Wang concluded that the event welcomed participants of all genders, as gender equality is an issue that concerns everyone. Attendees included members of academia, industry, NGOs, and the local community. By strengthening IDG skills, participants from diverse backgrounds can bring gender equality awareness into campuses, workplaces, and communities, co-creating a more equal, diverse, inclusive, and harmonious IDEAL environment.