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Women's Commission celebrates International Women's Day 2010
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The following is issued on behalf of the Women's Commission:

     The Women's Commission (WoC) organised a luncheon talk today (March 8) to celebrate International Women's Day 2010 with women's groups and various parties in the community.

     Speaking at a reception before the talk, the Commission's Chairperson, Ms Sophia Kao, said that the WoC had adopted "Women's Participation - An Economic Development Imperative" as the theme of the celebration activities for International Women's Day and the luncheon talk this year.

     Ms Kao noted that the global economy experienced sharp fluctuations last year. As a world economic and financial centre, Hong Kong was also affected.

     She said, "Despite competition from all sides, Hong Kong assumes an important role in the global economy. One of the reasons is that we have high quality human resources and our workforce is known for being flexible and keen on making continuous improvements.

     "As a central mechanism to promote the interests of women in Hong Kong, the Commission is particularly concerned about women's role in the economic development of Hong Kong. Empowerment has been one of the important strategies of WoC to enable women to realise their potential.

     "Women's capability in handling economic affairs has been well recognised. As the education level of local women continues to rise and society gradually breaks with the concept that 'women are to take care of the family while men are to work outside', women should have more room to show their talent."

     She said that women's participation in the economy was beneficial to society in many ways. Economically, it helps raise productivity and returns on investment. Socially, it fosters social mobility and a culture of gender equality. It is also conducive to women's personal development, higher self-esteem and status.

     Ms Kao thanked the various sectors for their support for the WoC and said she looked forward to further collaboration in the future.

     Speaking at today's luncheon were the Convenor of the non-official members of the Executive Council, Mr Leung Chun-ying; Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Mrs Margaret Leung Ko May-yee;  Director, Corporate Strategy Unit and Company Secretary of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited, Ms Eirene Yeung; and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Richard Wong Yue-chim.  They exchanged views on women's participation in the economy, politics and the community as well as their rights to development, roles and opportunities.

     Officiating at the event were the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Paul Tang Kwok-wai; and the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR, Ms Guo Li.

     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/Monday, March 8, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:27

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