THIS year's World Day of Prayer focused on the plight of women in Taiwan – titled the 'Hidden Women of Taiwan'.

A service was held at the Euroa Baptist Church last Friday with about 20 people attending.

Speaker for the service was Retired Baptist Minister, Bob Bruce with his wife, Coral accompanying the hymns on piano.

The Hidden Women of Taiwan is all about how women often do not have choices to make – or when they do make those choices it reflects on their lifestyle for the remainder of their lives.

Gender equality plays a big part in their decisions with many choosing to stay single, some choose not to have children, and more than half a million choose to move to another country.

Half of Taiwan's women have also chosen Christianity as their religion.

Following World War II many Chinese immigrated to Taiwan raising that country's population to around 95 percent being of that nationality.

Today marriage to Taiwanese men is bringing significant numbers of immigrants from across South–East Asia.

Taiwanese Mandarin (Hokkien) is the main language spoken throughout Taiwan; is used in schools and is the main language of younger people.

Taiwan was once a part of China but broke off from mainland China in 1895 when Japan took over control.

It became an independent country following WWII when Japan lost the war.

More recent events in the country's history include Presidential advocacy for women's rites; successful management of COVID–19,helping other countries and using the motto: "Taiwan can help'.

Worldwide celebrating World Day of Prayer, the Christian women of Taiwan shared their experiences with Christian communities around the world.

The women of Taiwan wished everyone 'Ping–an' – 'May God grant you peace – a peaceful relationship with God and with one another'.

Euroa Baptist Church Deacon, Sue Pickett said in Australia we should support women all over the world that do not have the opportunities we have.

"We should make our residents aware of other cultures, raise awareness of their lifestyles, be responsible for helping them, and ask 'what can we do?'

"This is all part of our Christian faith – to care for others in need," Ms Pickett said.

She was ably supported by other church members, Glenda Nicholls and Coral Bruce.

"We can pray and give and raise awareness among others on how some women in other countries, live and are still being suppressed.

Next year World Day of Prayer will be celebrated in Euroa by the Catholic Parish with the theme "Bear with one another in love".