Press Releases

Solid foundation laid in the work of Women's Commission

The following is issued on behalf of the Women's Commission:

A solid foundation had been laid in the work of promoting the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong, the chairperson of the Women's Commission, Mrs Sophie Leung said today (December 23).

Speaking at a press briefing to review the efforts of the commission in the three years since its inception, Mrs Leung said members have been keenly aware that women's groups and non-government organisations (NGOs) have high expectations of the body.

"We have exerted our very best efforts to live up to their expectations," she said.

Aware of the diverse backgrounds and needs of women, the commission undertook an extensive programme of visits, internal discussions, public forums and soul-searching sessions to ascertain the specific needs of women and crystallise ideas on their mission, strategies and priorities.

The commission defines its mission as follows: "To enable women to fully realise their due status, rights and opportunities in all aspects of life".

To achieve this mission, the Commission has adopted a three-pronged strategy of gender mainstreaming (i.e. incorporating women's needs and perspectives in policy making), empowerment of women and public education.

Leveraging on its position as the central body on women issues, the Commission has focused on three strategic functions:

*championing women's causes;
*inspiring change; and
*mobilising community resources.

"We have secured the Administration's endorsement to introduce gender mainstreaming in public policy making.

"A Gender Mainstreaming Checklist has been developed and used in several policy areas. It will be rolled out to more areas incrementally.

"Gender focal points have been designated in almost all Government bureaux and departments, and over 600 civil servants have been given gender-related training.

"The Administration has also agreed to take gender composition into account when making appointments to advisory and statutory bodies.

"We have worked closely with the Administration in stepping up measures to increase women's participation in these bodies," Mrs Leung said.

To encourage and facilitate women to enhance their all round abilities as individuals, the Commission has incubated a Capacity Building Mileage Programme, which is due to be launched early next year.

"It will be a new kind of learning tailored to the needs and interests of women," Mrs Leung said.

"It aims at developing the inner strength of women and will be highly relevant to the daily lives of women. The Programme will be flexible and accessible to all."

Mrs Leung urged members of the community to watch out for more details to be announced in February.

The Women's Commission has launched a major publicity campaign in raising public awareness of gender issues and reducing gender stereotyping. A major conference called "Women for a Better Tomorrow" was held in May 2002 with the Chief Executive officiating at the opening ceremony and about 500 participants attending the Conference.

Recognising the value of the contribution of NGOs and various sectors, the Commission has drawn up a Collaboration Framework with their substantial input and participation.

"In collaborating with all interested parties in the community, we would achieve synergy and greater impact on the community.

"I must thank Commission members for their dedication and tireless efforts in taking forward the work of the Commission. Their input has been highly innovative and invaluable. The achievements and the foundation laid in the past three years are evidence of the good team work of all Commission members," Mrs Leung said.

The Women's Commission was established by the Government in January 2001 to promote the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong. It is tasked to take a strategic overview over women's issues, develop a long-term vision and strategy for the development and advancement of women, and advise the Government on policies and initiatives which are of concern to women. It comprises 18 non-official members, all appointed by the Chief Executive for a term of three years (January 2001 - January 2004).

Ends/Tuesday, December 23, 2003
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