This book, planned and published by THCDC, takes ziang iang (靚影), or “beautiful pictures”, as a symbol to immortalize the figures and stories of Hakka women in rapidly changing times. From the observations of early missionaries and the fieldwork of anthropologists to the writings and actions of contemporary women, the content spans history and modernity, local and global. These demonstrate how Hakka women find niches in the patriarchal social structure, create their own space, and build their lives together with new immigrant women in Hakka villages, allowing multiculturalism to flourish through synergy.
Chief Secretary Liao Yu-pei affirmed that Professor Chiang Chen-yin has leveraged her academic depth and humanistic concern to craft a new interpretive perspective on Hakka women, allowing society to re-examine the pivotal role of Hakka women across family, community, and history. She also expressed appreciation for the lineup of speakers, who weaved together a rich and multifaceted image of Hakka women from diverse perspectives, such as film and television, literary writing, and cultural work. Furthermore, she declared that gender equality should not just concern women. Men need to take the initiative to share housework and care responsibilities in daily life, so that the idea of equality can truly take root in families and society. She joined the distinguished guests on the occasion of this book publication, in the hopes that it can prompt society to further notice the life stories and cultural influence of Hakka women.
ziang iang: 100 Years of Women in Hakka Villages is officially on sale today at Wunan Cultural Plaza Bookstore, Government Bookstore, SMC Publishing Inc., and the THCDC’s Hakka Shop, among other platforms, allowing more readers to experience the richness of Hakka culture and acquire the Hakka spirit.
