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The following is issued on behalf of the Women's Commission:
The Women's Commission (WoC) welcomes the statement made by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, at the Legislative Council meeting today (April 28) to raise the gender benchmark target for participation in advisory and statutory bodies (ASBs) from 25% to 30% with effect from June 1.
"We are pleased that the Government has taken on board WoC's proposal of raising the gender benchmark to the basic requirement of women's participation in decision making as recognised internationally," WoC Chairperson, Ms Sophia Kao, said.
"Over the years, there has been a gradual improvement in women's participation in decision making. Under the principle of appointment by merit, we consider that there should be a balanced gender composition in the government-appointed ASBs so that the perspectives and concerns of both genders would be fully reflected, thus enabling the Government to benefit from the advice of both genders during the policy formulation process and making the policies more responsive to the needs of both women and men.
"Encouraging women's participation in decision making is a crucial step towards gender equality. There are many women who have the passion and ability to participate in public affairs. Raising the gender benchmark target for participation in ASBs would provide more opportunities for women in this regard. Women may, having regard to their interest, expertise, experience and commitment, contribute to public affairs. This is an important step to further the development of society," Ms Kao added.
Since the promulgation of the 25% gender benchmark in January 2004, the overall percentage of women's participation in ASBs has risen steadily over the past few years to 25.2% in December 2005 and to 28.1% in March 2010.
To complement the Government's efforts in enhancing women's participation in public affairs, the WoC has been working hand-in-hand with various stakeholders, including the District Councils (DCs), in empowering women. In particular, the Women's Leadership Training Programme has been organised by the DCs in Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Yau Tsim Mong, and a similar training programme will be organised by more DCs in 2010-11.
"Some DCs such as the Yau Tsim Mong DC have also set up a dedicated working group to consider and support worthy projects conducive to women's development and empowerment in their respective districts.
"The WoC will continue to collaborate with the DCs and different quarters of the community in empowering women, with a view to facilitating their active participation in public services," Ms Kao concluded.
Ends/Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:31
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