TAIPEI: Female cabin crew members at China Airlines, Taiwan's state-owned airline, have debuted new trousers-based uniforms at airports, marking a significant shift in the airline's approach to gender equality. The new uniforms, featuring a patchwork design in blue, red, and black, were showcased at Taoyuan and Kaohsiung international airports on Wednesday.
According to Focus Taiwan, the introduction of these uniforms is part of China Airlines' broader commitment to gender equality and aligning with global trends. Huang Shih-hui, the president of the airline's Kaohsiung branch, emphasized that the new uniforms offer female crew members the choice between skirts and trousers, with many opting for the latter since its public unveiling in November 2024.
Flight attendant Hsu Chia-lun highlighted the practical benefits of the new uniform, noting its flexibility for tasks that require frequent movement such as walking, bending, and squatting. Hsu also acknowledged the efforts of the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union, which played a crucial role in advocating for this change. The union had previously filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission regarding the mandatory dress code for female cabin crew members.
The commission's report, released last July, concluded that requiring female crew to wear skirts and heels violated the gender discrimination provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which Taiwan incorporated into its law in 2012.
Flight attendant Huang Hui-chen expressed appreciation for the new uniform's warmth, contrasting it with the discomfort of skirts and stockings during chilly commutes. A passenger, identified by the surname Shih, expressed hope that other airlines would adopt similar changes, emphasizing that flight attendants' attire should reflect their needs and work environment.