We continue to learn from exemplary women such as Rosa Parks and Tai Ji Men champions of justice Madam Yu Mei-Jung and Mrs. Huang.
by Christine Mirre*
*A paper presented at the webinar “Tai Ji Men Women: Fighting for Justice and Conscience”, co-organized by CESNUR and Human Rights Without Frontiers on 25 November 2024, UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Today we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day, observed annually on 25 November, is an important reminder of the ongoing fight to end violence and discrimination against women around the world. It is also an opportunity to pay tribute to the countless women who have courageously stood up against injustice, often at great personal risk, to demand truth, justice, and equality.
The theme of today’s webinar, “Women Fighting for Justice and Conscience,” resonates deeply with the struggles of women throughout history and around the world. Women have not only been victims of institutional violence, but have also been powerful agents of change, challenging oppressive systems and inspiring movements for justice. Today, I would like to highlight the stories of three extraordinary women: Rosa Parks, Ms. Huang, and Madam Yu Mei-Jung. Their lives and struggles exemplify the resilience and courage it takes to confront systemic injustice and fight for what is right.
Let us begin with Rosa Parks, whose name is synonymous with the civil rights movement in the United States. On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus to a white passenger. This simple yet profound act of defiance sparked a movement that would change the course of history.
Rosa Parks was not just a woman tired after a long day of work. She was a seasoned activist, deeply committed to the fight for racial equality. But her courage was remarkable because she faced a double burden: being both black and a woman in a deeply segregated and patriarchal society. To be a black woman resisting injustice in the 1950s was to confront not one, but two layers of systemic oppression.
Her arrest led to the Montgomery bus boycott, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. It was a movement that required immense sacrifice, perseverance, and unity from the black community. Rosa Parks’ quiet courage became a rallying cry for justice, proving that one person’s conscience could ignite a collective struggle for equality.
Former President of the United States, Barack Obama said in his tribute to Rosa Parks: “Rosa Parks tells us that there’s always something we can do. She tells us that we all have responsibilities, to ourselves and to each other. She reminds us that this is how change happens—not primarily through the exploits of the famous, but through the countless small acts of courage performed by ordinary people every day.” Rosa Parks’ legacy reminds us that the struggle for justice is universal, transcending time and geography.
Just like Rosa Parks stood up against institutionalized racism, Tai Ji Men dizi (disciples) have been fighting systemic injustice in Taiwan for decades. The Tai Ji Men’s case is a glaring example of how governments can abuse their power to target individuals and groups. Since 1996, the Tai Ji Men have faced unjust tax demands and persecution from the Taiwanese tax authorities, despite numerous court rulings in their favor. This long-standing case has caused immense suffering to the Tai Ji Men community, both emotionally and financially.
The women of Tai Ji Men have played a crucial role in this struggle for justice. Their stories reveal the human cost of institutional violence, and the extraordinary resilience required to stand up against it. Let us look at two such women: Ms. Huang and Madam Yu Mei-Jung.
Ms. Huang’s story is a poignant example of the psychological violence inflicted by systemic injustice. She was one of many Tai Ji Men dizi who protested relentless harassment from Taiwan’s tax authorities. She was abused by the police just for protesting. The stress and pressure of being unfairly targeted took a severe toll on her health and well-being. Despite this, Ms. Huang refused to give up. Her determination to fight for the truth and expose the injustices perpetrated by the government is a testament to her inner strength and resilience.
Ms. Huang’s experience underscores the broader issue of how institutional violence disproportionately affects women. Women often bear the brunt of such injustices, not only as individuals, but also as caregivers and community leaders. Yet, like Rosa Parks, Ms. Huang chose to resist rather than retreat, becoming a symbol of courage for others in the Tai Ji Men community.
Another remarkable woman was Madam Yu Mei-Jung, co-founder of the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy with her husband Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, the Shifu (Grand Master) of the movement. She was the beloved Shimu of Tai Ji Men dizi. Madam Yu was not only a devoted leader of Tai Ji Men, but also a source of inspiration and guidance for many. Her unwavering belief in the principles of truth and justice, even in the face of relentless persecution, left an indelible mark on the Tai Ji Men community.
Madam Yu’s leadership extended beyond the legal struggle. She embodied the values of love, compassion, and resilience, and encouraged others to remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. Her passing was a profound loss, but her legacy continues to inspire the Tai Ji Men sisters and their ongoing fight against injustice.
The struggles of Rosa Parks, Ms. Huang, and Madam Yu Mei-Jung may differ in context, but they share a common thread: the fight against systemic injustice fueled by courage, conscience, and an unyielding commitment to truth. Rosa Parks’ defiance of segregation offers Tai Ji Men sisters a powerful message of hope and perseverance. Her story reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, change is possible when individuals refuse to accept injustice.
Ms. Huang and Madam Yu Mei-Jung, like Rosa Parks, have shown extraordinary resilience in their fight against institutional violence. Their stories are a testament to the power of conscience and the importance of standing up for what is right, no matter how long the struggle may take.
As we reflect on the theme of today’s webinar—“Women Fighting for Justice and Conscience”—let us honor the courage of women like Rosa Parks, Ms. Huang, and Madam Yu Mei-Jung, and all the Tai Ji Men sisters. Their stories remind us that the fight for justice is not just a legal or political battle. It is a moral imperative that requires perseverance, resilience, and faith in the power of truth.
The example of Rosa Parks is a beacon of hope. Her legacy teaches us that progress is made through countless acts of courage, large and small.
To the Tai Ji Men sisters: your fight for justice and conscience is not in vain. Your resilience inspires others around the world to stand up against injustice and to believe that truth and justice will one day prevail.
