The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and his wife, Mrs Janet Lee, today (March 8) officiated at a reception to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 hosted by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Women’s Commission (WoC).
 
     The reception was attended by members of the WoC, and representatives from women’s groups, non-governmental organisations and the local community. Thematic panels were set up at the reception to showcase the work done by the Government and the WoC on promoting women’s development.
 
     Speaking at the reception, Mr Lee said that women in Hong Kong underpin the development of society. They facilitate economic and social development by contributing their wisdom and strength, and play an important role in promoting family virtues, Mr Lee said. 

     He said, “The Government will continue to unite all sectors in creating an enabling environment for women to develop their potentials and promote the all-rounded development of women, so as to drive forward the development of the country and Hong Kong.” 
 
     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, said at the reception that the Women Empowerment Fund which was launched in June last year, has approved 145 projects of diverse nature and themes so far. The HYAB will implement several new initiatives in relation to family and women’s development as announced in the 2023 Policy Address, including the setting up of a dedicated Women Affairs Team and designating the post of Commissioner for Women Affairs. The HYAB will also organise the first Family and Women Development Summit and launch a one-stop family and women information portal.

     She said, “The HYAB will continue to work closely with the WoC in enabling women in Hong Kong to fully realise their due status, rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.” 

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to women’s development. It will continue to implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) through the provisions of the Basic Law and local laws, complemented and supplemented by the necessary administrative measures with a view to protect women’s rights and ensure the full development of women.

     Also officiating at the reception were the Acting Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Li Yongsheng; Deputy Director of the Political Department of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Senior Colonel Qi Xiaochun; Deputy Director-General of the Coordination Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Ms Li Ling; Deputy Director of the liaison office of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr Xie Zhixiang; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung; the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; and the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung.

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and his wife, Mrs Janet Lee, today (March 8) officiated at a reception to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023 hosted by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Women’s Commission (WoC).
 
     The reception was attended by members of the WoC, and representatives from women’s groups, non-governmental organisations and the business sector. Thematic panels were set up at the reception this year to showcase the work done by the Government and the WoC on promoting women’s development.
 
     Speaking at the reception, Mr Lee said that women play a leading role in all walks of life in Hong Kong. Among the 26 Principal Officials of the current-term Government, six of them are women, accounting for nearly a quarter of the team, which is the highest among all previous terms of Government. Among the 18 Permanent Secretaries, which are the highest echelons of the civil service, more than 60 per cent of them are females. Women now account for 36 per cent of the non-official members of government-appointed advisory and statutory bodies, which is 10 per cent higher than 20 years ago. This marks the significant contribution that Hong Kong women have made to social development.

     He said, “Promotion of women’s development is an important task. In the future, the Government and the Women’s Commission will continue their concerted efforts in promoting women’s rights in various fronts.”
 
     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, said at the reception that the Government will, as always, contribute more to women’s development. The HYAB will set up the Women Empowerment Fund as announced in the Chief Executive’s Policy Address this year. From 2023-24, the funding will be increased to $20 million a year to strengthen the support for women’s development and the related tasks.
 
     She said, “The HYAB will continue to work with members of the community, making ways for Hong Kong women to unleash their full potential in different roles of the community and live a happy life.”

     Also officiating at the reception were Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Ms Lu Xinning; Deputy Director General of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr Wang Wenxian; Deputy Director of the Political Department of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Senior Colonel Wang Zhixue; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung; the Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council, Mrs Regina Ip; and the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam.