Hong Kong – Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and Women’s Commission celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 (with photos)

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and his wife, Mrs Janet Lee, today (March 8) officiated at a reception to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 hosted by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Women’s Commission (WoC).
 
     The reception was attended by members of the WoC, and representatives from women’s groups, non-governmental organisations and the local community. Thematic panels were set up at the reception to showcase the work done by the Government and the WoC on promoting women’s development.
 
     Speaking at the reception, Mr Lee said that women in Hong Kong underpin the development of society. They facilitate economic and social development by contributing their wisdom and strength, and play an important role in promoting family virtues, Mr Lee said. 

     He said, “The Government will continue to unite all sectors in creating an enabling environment for women to develop their potentials and promote the all-rounded development of women, so as to drive forward the development of the country and Hong Kong.” 
 
     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, said at the reception that the Women Empowerment Fund which was launched in June last year, has approved 145 projects of diverse nature and themes so far. The HYAB will implement several new initiatives in relation to family and women’s development as announced in the 2023 Policy Address, including the setting up of a dedicated Women Affairs Team and designating the post of Commissioner for Women Affairs. The HYAB will also organise the first Family and Women Development Summit and launch a one-stop family and women information portal.

     She said, “The HYAB will continue to work closely with the WoC in enabling women in Hong Kong to fully realise their due status, rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.” 

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to women’s development. It will continue to implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) through the provisions of the Basic Law and local laws, complemented and supplemented by the necessary administrative measures with a view to protect women’s rights and ensure the full development of women.

     Also officiating at the reception were the Acting Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Li Yongsheng; Deputy Director of the Political Department of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Senior Colonel Qi Xiaochun; Deputy Director-General of the Coordination Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Ms Li Ling; Deputy Director of the liaison office of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr Xie Zhixiang; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung; the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; and the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung.