Press Releases
Women's Commission welcomes the Policy Address
The following is issued on behalf of the Women's Commission:
The Women��s Commission welcomes the Policy Address delivered by the Chief
Executive today (October 12). The commission will make its best efforts to
complement Government��s commitment to fostering harmony in the community, and to
continue to enable women to fully realise their due status, rights and
opportunities in all aspects of life.
Chairperson of the Women��s Commission, Mrs Sophie Leung, said: "We are glad that
the Chief Executive has recognised the work of the commission and our theme of
'Building a Harmonious Community'. The Chief Executive has also taken the
commission's advice on a number of fronts, including the cultivation of care and
respect amongst family members, as well as the provision of a family-friendly
working and community environment.
"We are also pleased that the Chief Executive has reiterated the Government's
non-tolerance stance against domestic violence. The Government has also renewed
its commitment to insisting on the consideration of the different needs and
perspectives of both genders when introducing new policies and measures, and to
promoting women's participation in public affairs and advisory and statutory
boards. The commission will continue to do its best to complement Government's
efforts and to promote gender equality and harmony. We would also work hand in
hand with women's groups toward this goal by promoting women's participation in
community affairs and through leadership training for women."
Nurturing caring families has been one of the work foci of the commission this
year. A pilot project on quality parenting education in the community is under
planning. The pilot project aims to facilitate parents to build up support
network, instill core values in children such as gender equality, mutual
respect, self-resilience, etc, through the parenting process.
Combating domestic violence is another work focus of the Commission. The
commission has set up a dedicated working group to deliberate and exchange views
on tackling domestic violence with different stakeholders, including government
departments, women's groups, service organisations, etc. The commission aims to
announce its recommendations by end of this year.
Mrs Sophie Leung added: "Since its establishment, the commission has been
performing the strategic functions of championing women's causes, inspiring and
catalysing changes, and mobilising community resources, to formulate overall
strategies for the advancement of women. We carry out our mission in a sincere
and committed manner, and we treasure the quality of our work rather than the
fame. A lot have been done in the creation of an enabling environment for women,
empowering women and raising gender awareness of the public. The commission will
continue to collaborate with different sectors of the community to arouse
public's concern over women��s issues and work hard for the interest of women."
The Women's Commission was established in 2001 and appointed by the Chief
Executive as a high-level central mechanism to further promote the well-being
and interests of women. Its mission is to enable women to fully realise their
due status, rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.
Ends/Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Issued at HKT 20:18
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