The following is issued on behalf of the Women's Commission:
          
     The Women's Commission (WoC) welcomes the initiatives on promoting women's development in the 2026-27 Budget delivered today (February 25) by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan.
      
     In the Budget, the Financial Secretary mentioned that to promote all-round women's development, the annual funding for the Women Empowerment Fund (WEF) under the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the WoC will be increased to $30 million starting from the next financial year.
      
     The Chairperson of the WoC, Dr Eliza Chan, said, "The increase in the annual funding for the WEF announced in the Budget demonstrates the Government's steadfast support for promoting women's all-round development. I look forward to seeing more women's groups and non-governmental organisations make good use of this resource to implement projects that could better meet women's actual needs and be more diversified in nature, thereby supporting women in realising their full potential and achieving self-fulfilment at different stages of life."
      
     She added, "Looking ahead, the WoC will continue to advise the Government on policies concerning women's development and promote greater attention and support from all sectors of society for women's rights and development."

     The WoC was established in 2001 and is committed to enabling women in Hong Kong to fully realise their due status, rights, and opportunities in all aspects of life. It adopts a three-pronged strategy, namely the provision of an enabling environment, empowerment of women through capacity building, and public education, to promote the well-being and interests of women.

Ends/Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:10

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