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The following is issued on behalf of the Women's Commission:
About 200 representatives of women's groups, district councillors, scholars and representatives of various government departments attended the "Beijing+15 Forum: Progress and Prospects of Women's Development - the International and Hong Kong Experience" organised by the Women's Commission (WoC) today (September 2).
The WoC organised the forum with the aim of sharing with stakeholders international experience on the implementation of the "Beijing Platform for Action" and the progress of women's development since its implementation. The forum was also for participants to exchange views on the work done in Hong Kong to implement the "Beijing Declaration" and "Beijing Platform for Action".
The Chairperson of WoC, Ms Sophia Kao, in her speech at the forum entitled "Implementation of Beijing Declaration and Beijing Platform for Action in Hong Kong" said, "With the WoC's recommendations and assistance, the Hong Kong Government has made good progress in enhancing the status of women and promoting the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong.
"To further encourage women's participation in advisory and statutory bodies, the Government raised the gender benchmark of the appointment of members in advisory and statutory bodies from 25% to 30% on June 1 this year.
"Moreover, the Government amended the Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinances in 2008 and 2009 to provide further protection for victims of domestic violence.
"Apart from government policies, women's groups and non-governmental organisations also play an important role in contributing to the development of women in Hong Kong.
"Although the status of women has been enhanced and development opportunities for women have increased in various areas, the WoC will continue to work with the Government and other sectors to promote the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong.
"We will further promote gender mainstreaming, further empower low-skilled middle-aged women, and eliminate gender bias and stereotypes."
Other speakers at the forum included the Director-General of the Department of International Liaison of All-China Women's Federation, Ms Zou Xiaoqiao, and the Director of the Gender Research Centre, Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ms Fanny Cheung.
With reference to international and Hong Kong experience in implementing the "Beijing Platform for Action", Ms Zou spoke on the development and challenges of the international women's movement. Ms Cheung delivered a speech on women's groups' responses to the implementation of the "Beijing Declaration" and "Beijing Platform for Action" in Hong Kong. Participants also exchanged views in an experience sharing session.
The "Beijing Declaration" and the "Beijing Platform for Action" were adopted 15 years ago at the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in September 1995.
The "Beijing Platform for Action", which sets out the strategic objectives under 12 key areas of concern, aims to empower women for a full and equal share in economic, social, cultural and political decision-making.
Meanwhile, the "Beijing Declaration" demonstrates the commitment of the international community in promoting gender equality, enhancing women's status and implementing the "Beijing Platform of Action".
Ends/Thursday, September 2, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:15
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