Under traditional patriarchal systems, local histories often center on men while overlooking women's roles and contributions. Through "Her Story Trail", we rediscover and compile the life stories, labor journeys, and contributions to families and communities made by local women. These narratives are woven into micro-travel routes brimming with stories, inviting the public to walk through history and feel the strength of women with their hearts.
Since 2023, Tianzhong District Women's Center which operated by Eden Foundation have in collaboration with Taiping Community of Tianzhong Township to launch the “Her Story Trail Guide Training” program. Together, they pioneered "Her Story Trail—Taiping Community · Wanderings at the Bottom of the Hill" for southern Changhua. The recent guided tour (September 21) led locals into the community, revealing women's presence and contributions through the stories behind local landmarks.
"Her Story Trail" Activities Bring Residents into the Community
Trail Guide Ms. Ming-Feng Hsieh(Hsiao-Ke) joined the Women's Center courses after retirement to stay active. Reflecting on years of travel experiences, she recalled how guides transformed ordinary scenery into vivid, memorable scenes—a memory that nurtured her long-held dream of becoming a guide herself. When she learned that Tianzhong District Women's Center offered "Her Story Trail" training course, she signed up without hesitation. Moving from initial nervousness to confidently captivating visitors with stories and history proved both challenging and rewarding. Ming-Feng believes guiding is not just sharing—it is companionship, helping others rediscover the land we inhabit.
Trail Guide Ms. Ming-Feng Hsieh Guides Visitors to Rediscover This Land
Another Trail guide, Ms. Yi-Hui Lin (Miao Miao), originally taught parent-child courses and came to the Women's Center because of her children. Having long dedicated herself to her family, Yi-Hui often felt a lack of fulfillment and had faced setbacks in job seeking due to her age. Through the Women's Center's training, she regained her confidence and gradually embarked on the path to becoming a trail guide. Initially, she trembled with fear when speaking on stage. But with encouragement from instructors and social workers, Yi-Hui gradually learned to see things from visitors' perspectives, paying attention to their needs and feelings. The guiding process not only enriched her knowledge but also helped her rediscover her own value. She especially appreciates the gender equality concepts integrated into the Women's Center courses, enabling her to incorporate “respect” and “equality” into her daily parenting.
Trail Guide Ms. Yi-Hui Lin Regains Confidence Through Guiding
Mr. Yung-Cheng Hsu, Acting Division Chief, Department of Social Affairs, Changhua County stated that since launching the "Her Story Trail" initiative in 2023, the county government has developed three routes: Changhua City, Lukang, and the Taiping Community of Tianzhong. The "Her Story Trail" in Taiping of Tianzhong highlights local cultural elements such as tobacco barns, corn dolls, and agricultural contract manufacturing, showcasing women's contributions to both family and economy. Beyond promoting gender equality, the "Her Story Trail" aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, transforming cultural walking tour into a force for equality and sustainability.
Mr. Yung-Cheng Hsu, Acting Division Chief, Department of Social Affairs, Changhua County eagerly supports "Her Story Trail" activities.
Tianzhong District Women's Center of Eden states that during guide training, the center serves as an “empowering” and “supportive” partner, assisting novices grow into professional guides while integrating gender issues into tour content. The tour route design holds special significance: Shun-Tian Temple's stone lions symbolize women's journey from voicelessness to speaking out; the longan industry and tobacco barns showcase women's toil in an agricultural society; while the Corn Doll Workshop represents the economic backbone of home-based contract manufacturing. This guided tour is not merely a cultural excursion but a profound journey through women's stories. Through the guides' narration, participants witness the past struggles and resilience of local women while experiencing the strength and value women have contributed throughout history and societal development.
Everyone creates corn dolls exclusive to the "Her Story Trail" activity.
