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The following is issued on behalf of the Women・s Commission:
The Women・s Commission organised a luncheon talk today (March 8) to celebrate International Women・s Day 2009 with women groups and community organisations.
Speaking at a reception before the talk, the commission・s chairperson, Ms Sophia Kao, said that the origin of the International Women・s Day could be traced back to the early twentieth century when women struggled for economic and political rights in different parts of the world. The United States was the first country to designate a women・s day. It was not until 1975 - the International Women・s Year - that March 8 was designated as the International Women・s Day by the United Nations. Women・s bid for equal opportunities and rights for community participation was only realised in the last century.
：With the concerted efforts of our predecessors in women・s movements, women groups and community organisations over the years, women・s participation in economy, politics and community has been substantially improved in Hong Kong. Women groups, in particular, have all along been carrying out projects to this cause. They are also important partners of the Women・s Commission in enhancing the well-being and rights of women in Hong Kong. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of them on behalf of the community,； Ms Kao said.
This year, the United Nation・s Commission on the Status of Women has adopted：equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men； as the theme of its annual session. In this connection, the Women・s Commission in Hong Kong adopted ：Women and Men: An Equal Partnership?； as the theme for this year・s celebration activities of the International Women・s Day.
：Men and women should enjoy equal rights and opportunities, and share responsibilities in family, at work and in the community. Speakers of today・s talk, Ms Teresa Au, Ms Audrey Eu, Mr Frederick Ma and Mr Shih Wing-ching will share their views and experience on establishing equal gender relationship. I hope that men and women will establish genuine equal partnership,； Ms Kao said.
Ms Kao noted that the financial tsunami has brought severe challenges to the economy as well as women and families in Hong Kong. At this critical moment, we have to devote greater attention to women・s situation to ensure that the Government・s supportive policies and measures can fully meet men and women・s needs and concerns and that women・s difficulties would be addressed.
Ms Kao also called on men and women to work together to promote gender equality. She hoped to encourage men・s participation for the task to enable all people, men and women, to contribute in work, family and community with their own abilities, interest and aspirations. They should enjoy the rights and opportunities to fully develop their potentials.
Officiating at the event were the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Deputy Director General of Coordination Department of Liaison Office of the Central People・s Government in the HKSAR, Ms Sun A-qing, and the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Paul Tang.
The Women・s Commission was set up in 2001 as a central mechanism to promote the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong. It adopts a three-pronged approach strategy by providing an environment conducive to women, enhancing women・s capability and strengthening public education to eliminate public biases and stereotypes towards women.
Ends/Sunday, March 8, 2009
Issued at HKT 13:01
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