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The Government today (January 9) announced the appointment of two new members to the Women・s Commission (WoC) and re-appointment of the chairperson and seven incumbent members. All the appointments will take effect from January 15.
Ms Sophia Kao Ching-chi has been re-appointed as the chairperson for a term of three years until January 14, 2012. Ms Kao is a founding member of WoC and has served for five years before taking up the chairmanship in 2006. Under her able leadership, WoC has driven a number of initiatives in promoting gender equality and raising public awareness on gender issues, and strengthened collaboration with women・s groups and concerned stakeholders in promoting the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong.
The seven incumbent members re-appointed are Dr Miranda Chan Lai-foon, Ms Jacqueline Cheng Ming-fung, Ms Fong Man-ying, Dr Sharmila Gurung, Mrs Stella Lau Kun Lai-kuen, Ms Lau Ka-shi, and Mr Lee Luen-fai. They have served on the commission since 2006. They have made an enormous contribution to the work of the commission during their tenure.
The two new members are Dr Leung Lai-ching and Dr Polly Cheung Suk-yee. Dr Leung is an Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Social Studies of the City University of Hong Kong, with expertise and research interests in gender studies and domestic violence. Dr Cheung is a surgeon in medical practice. She has been the Honorary Adviser to the Hong Kong Cancer Fund since 1995 and founded the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. Their professional background and vast experience in community service would be a great asset to the commission.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, welcomed the appointments of the two new members and the re-appointments of the chairperson and seven incumbent members. He also thanked the three outgoing members, Ms Ruth Gee, Prof Maria Tam Siu-mi and Prof Grace Tang Wai-king, for their valuable contribution and dedication to the work of the commission.
The Women・s Commission was set up on January 15, 2001, as a high-level central mechanism which takes a strategic overview of women・s issues. It plays a strategic role in advising the government on policies and initiatives which are of concern to women.
Following is the membership list of the Women・s Commission as from January 15:
Non-Official Members
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Ms Sophia Kao Ching-chi (Chairperson)
Dr Miranda Chan Lai-foon
Ms Chau Chuen-heung
Ms Jacqueline Cheng Ming-fung
Dr Polly Cheung Suk-yee
Ms Fong Man-ying
Dr Sharmila Gurung
Dr Ronnie Hui Ka-wah
Ms Ko Po-ling
Mrs Stella Lau Kun Lai-kuen
Ms Lau Ka-shi
Ms Joanna Lau Lai-hing
Mr Christopher Law Kin-chung
Mr Lee Luen-fai
Dr Leung Lai-ching
Ms Ayesha Macpherson
Dr Yeung Ka-ching
Ex-Officio Members
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Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare or representative (Vice-Chairperson)
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs or representative
Director of Social Welfare or representative
Ends/Friday, January 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:07
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