"She Inspires" Mentorship Programme First Cohort Graduation cum Second Cohort Kick-off Ceremony held successfully (with photos)
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Mr Chan noted in his speech, "The achievements of the first cohort had been encouraging. The Chief Executive had therefore announced in last year's Policy Address that the mentee quota would be increased by 50 per cent to 120 in the second cohort, enabling more students to benefit. The second cohort has successfully brought together over 70 women leaders as mentors and received over 430 mentee applications, which fully reflected the recognition of and expectations for the Programme."
Mr Chan encouraged mentees from both cohorts to dare to dream, dare to try and dare to take on responsibility. He called on them to set goals boldly, explore different industries and opportunities, and embrace their responsibilities towards family and society, so that the power of women can truly shine on the broader stage of Hong Kong's and the nation's development.
Miss Mak expressed her heartfelt respect and gratitude to the mentors of both cohorts. She noted that, over the past year, many mentees had shared that the Programme had strengthened their aspirations for career development and helped them rediscover their own potential, which is a true testament to the power of mentorship.
Miss Mak stated, "Despite your busy schedules, you were willing to devote your time to generously sharing with the younger generation the professional knowledge and life experience you have accumulated over the years. This is where the spirit of passing the torch begins, and it lies at the very heart of this Programme." She also introduced the Buddy Programme arrangement newly added this year, under which graduates of the first cohort will serve as buddies to the new cohort, with a view to passing on the strength of women from one cohort to another.
The Programme matches local female university students with women leader mentors, and provides relevant training and activities to help them enhance their skills, build confidence and network to thrive in their future career, nurturing the future strength that "hold up half the sky". For the first cohort of the Programme, 53 women leaders participated as mentors and were matched with more than 80 mentees. The second cohort has brought together over 70 women leaders as mentors and 120 students as mentees.
Also officiating at the ceremony were the Chairperson of the Women's Commission (WoC), Dr Eliza Chan, and the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Patrick Li. The Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, members of the WoC, mentors and mentees participating in the Programme as well as representatives from local universities also attended the ceremony.
Ends/Saturday, September 5, 2026
Issued at HKT 13:53
Issued at HKT 13:53
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