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UK researchers tour Taiwan's first sex education playground

Reporter TVBS News Staff
Release time：2026/10/30 13:10
Last update time：2026/10/30 13:10

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New Taipei City Social Affairs Department Deputy Director Wu Shu-fang, right, welcomes two British researchers specializing in quality of life and gender equality to New Taipei City's 'Gender Equality Hub' on Monday, October 21, 2026. (Courtesy of New Taipei City Gov't)
New Taipei City Social Affairs Department Deputy Director Wu Shu-fang, right, welcomes two British researchers specializing in quality of life and gender equality to New Taipei City's 'Gender Equality Hub' on Monday, October 21, 2026. (Courtesy of New Taipei City Gov't)

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Two British researchers specializing in quality of life and gender equality visited New Taipei City's "Gender Equality Hub" (性平不小室) on Monday (Oct. 21). They praised the city's approach to integrating gender mainstreaming into urban governance as a potential model for international reference.

Bartosz Bartoszewicz and Joanna Bartoszewicz, both holding doctoral degrees from the British Quality of Life Research Institute, toured the facility near Banqiao Station. New Taipei City Social Affairs Department Deputy Director Wu Shu-fang (吳淑芳) led the reception, focusing discussions on incorporating gender mainstreaming into urban governance.

The Gender Equality Hub, near the Citizen's Plaza Christmas tree, comprises three storefronts housing what officials describe as Taiwan's first sex education-themed children's playground. The facility also includes a menstrual products museum and New Taipei's first all-gender public restroom.

Chen Yi (陳儀), chairperson of the Taiwan Alliance for Advancement of Youth Rights and Welfare (台灣不會教小孩行動聯盟), guided the scholars through the facility, explaining it was designed to let families experience gender equality concepts in an immersive manner.

The facility uses unconventional methods, including children's socks printed with anatomical imagery, to introduce sex education from an early age. Through games, picture books and interactive experiences, children learn to respect differences while parents can discuss gender equality more naturally, officials said.

Joanna Bartoszewicz, a researcher specializing in gender equality, said the gap created by gender inequality may take several generations to close. She added that New Taipei's model could serve as a reference for other cities.

"Education and advocacy are not enough; hands-on experience makes a deeper impression," Wu said, emphasizing that New Taipei aims to make gender equality part of daily life rather than just a slogan.

The gender-friendly restroom features a menstrual product dispenser called "See Red, Get One" (見紅就發), allowing users to obtain free sanitary products by scanning a QR code. Wu presented the scholars with New Taipei's CEDAW city report and the facility's signature socks; upon learning Joanna has three daughters, Bartosz immediately purchased three additional pairs. ◼