ALOHA! Celebrating Mother’s Day with Gaia: Gender Equality and Sustainability

“ALOHA! Celebrating Mother’s Day with Gaia” Connects Gender Equality and Sustainability

Held at National Sun Yat-sen University on May 9, 2025, “ALOHA! Celebrating Mother’s Day with Gaia” attracted approximately 140 participants interested in gender equality and environmental sustainability. The event featured an Indigenous ceremony, a climate change lecture, an aromatherapy experience, and creative workshops, bringing together cultural, scientific, and gender perspectives.

[Gender Equality × Sustainable Development × Women and Technology] TWiST Event—ALOHA! Celebrating Mother’s Day with Gaia, Mother Earth

The event reflected three key areas of action promoted by TWiST—gender research and advocacy in technology, STEM academic activities, and professional networks for women in science and technology. It also highlighted the importance of gender equality in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Women in Technology: From Gender Stereotypes to Inclusive Workplaces

During the lecture, TWiST Vice President Chao-Ping Hsu emphasized that technological innovation and gender justice must progress together in addressing climate change and the energy transition. She noted that women are not only affected by policy but also play an essential role in advancing sustainable technology. She called for more gender-inclusive workplaces and educational environments that encourage women’s participation in STEAM education and sustainability governance.

[Gender Equality × Sustainable Development × Women and Technology] TWiST Event—ALOHA! Celebrating Mother’s Day with Gaia, Mother Earth

Vice President Hsu’s remarks also reflected TWiST’s four key strategies: building networks for women in science and technology, advancing gender research in technology, promoting STEM development, and strengthening international collaboration. She emphasized that gender perspectives should be incorporated into technological and policy design to increase women’s meaningful participation in these fields.

Connecting Gender and Sustainability Through Culture and Science

Professor Chia-Chen Wang, Director of the Aerosol Science Research Center at National Sun Yat-sen University, discussed aerosol pollution and respiratory science through the Gaia hypothesis, highlighting the interconnected effects of climate change on human health and the Earth’s ecosystems.

[Gender Equality × Sustainable Development × Women and Technology] TWiST Event—ALOHA! Celebrating Mother’s Day with Gaia, Mother Earth

Paiwan artist Yu-Ling Wu led Indigenous participants in song and dance to honor Mother Earth. The Lomilomi Association presented an aromatherapy experience and hula performance inspired by Native Hawaiian culture, highlighting shared respect for the land and women across cultures. The event concluded with musician Chi-Hsin Chen performing her original piece, “A Song for Mother Earth,” bringing the Mother’s Day celebration to a heartfelt close.

[Gender Equality × Sustainable Development × Women and Technology] TWiST Event—ALOHA! Celebrating Mother’s Day with Gaia, Mother Earth

[Gender Equality × Sustainable Development × Women and Technology] TWiST Event—ALOHA! Celebrating Mother’s Day with Gaia, Mother Earth

Advancing Gender Equality and Sustainability Through Greater Participation in Technology

Centered on the theme of Mother Earth, the interdisciplinary event highlighted the important role of technology and gender education, civic participation, and policy advocacy. By bringing together local universities, women-led business networks, and cultural advocates, it positioned gender perspectives as an essential part of addressing climate change and sustainable development.

TWiST will continue expanding its network, encouraging more women in STEAM to pursue sustainable technologies and supporting a fairer, more inclusive transformation.

[Gender Equality × Sustainable Development × Women and Technology] TWiST Event—ALOHA! Celebrating Mother’s Day with Gaia, Mother Earth

Photo and information source: National Sun Yat-sen University