October is Mental Health Month, which provides a platform to raise awareness on mental health issues around the world and for action in support of mental health. On 29 October 2015, Dr. York CHOW, Chairperson of the EOC, published an op-ed article in the South China Morning Post and Ming Pao Daily to call for the elimination of stigma and prejudice associated with mental illness, which poses a real barrier to timely intervention and treatment, as well as to ensuring equal opportunities for those living with such conditions. “Indeed, there can be no life of dignity without inclusion and freedom from discrimination,” wrote Dr. Chow. “Everyone, from the Government to organisations both public and private, as well as individuals, must therefore do their part for a society that supports mental well-being and recovery. This includes educating ourselves about mental health issues and speaking out against unfair characterisations and disparagements of people with mental conditions.” Dr. Chow also reiterated the Commission’s position that the Government should map out a more comprehensive and long-term mental health policy, including strategies to promote the integration of persons with mental illness and discharged mental patients back into the community; manpower plans to train more mental health professionals; and consider setting up a high-level Mental Health Commission to coordinate and monitor related services.

		Meanwhile, the Organising Committee of the 2015 Mental Health Month released the results of the latest Mental Health Index Survey on 29 October, which showed that the average index score stood at 58.71. While this is higher than the average score of 53 in 2014, the survey showed that about 30 percent of young people aged 15-24 failed to reach the passing score of 50.

Read the article (English)
Read the article (Chinese)

On 29 October 2015, the EOC issued legal proceedings in the District Court under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO), Cap. 480, on behalf of a man (“the Claimant”) who alleged that an entertainment company (“the Respondent”) had treated him less favourably by charging him a higher entry fee, on the ground of his sex, to a karaoke and disco club owned and managed by the Respondent. The Claimant observed that, at this venue, male and female patrons are charged different fees, with the entry fee reduction offered to women only as a special promotion.

It is unlawful under the SDO to discriminate against a person on the ground of sex in the provision of goods, facilities, and services. In this case, a fee difference on the ground of sex may amount to sex discrimination. By bringing this case to court, the EOC hopes to raise public awareness that there should not be differential treatment on the ground of sex in the provision of services, even if such differential treatment is for the purpose of business promotion.

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The EOC is pleased to participate, once again, in the Equal Opportunities (EO) Festival 2015 at The University of Hong Kong, which features a series of on-campus events starting from 29 October 2015 to promote different aspects of equality. The theme of this year’s event is “Racial Harmony: Our Difference Makes Us a Global City.” Dr. York CHOW, the EOC Chairperson, attended the opening ceremony on 29 October, and the EOC held a booth that day to highlight our work on advancing racial equality. Additionally, as part of the festival, training officers of the Commission will deliver various talks on equal opportunity-related topics, including preventing sexual harassment on campus (4 November) and eliminating race discrimination (11 November).

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The EOC is a supporting organisation of the Jockey Club Equal Opportunities Drama Project, run by Prospects Theatre Company and funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Officially launched on 13 October 2015, this three-year project involves citywide drama competition and a host of drama-related activities to promote the concept of equal opportunity and inclusion among students. The objectives of The Jockey Club Equal Opportunities Drama Project include: (1) To make drama activities available to young people, especially those from under-privileged backgrounds; (2) To build a peer-based community for young people through drama activities; (3) To provide good drama programmes for the residents of Hong Kong; and (4) To advocate equal opportunities for all.

To further the participants’ understanding about issues relating to equality and non-discrimination, a representative of the Commission will give a workshop to participating students and teachers on 14 November 2015 at Sha Tin Town Hall.

Enrolment in the inter-school drama competition is open now until 11 November 2015. Please see the links below for more details.

Prospects Theatre Facebook page
More about the Jockey Club Equal Opportunities Drama Project

The EOC is pleased to be, once again, a supporter of the Hong Kong Pride Parade 2015. This year, the event’s theme is “Yell Out for Equality!”, which aims to encourage society to embrace those who are different and reject discrimination and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people. The event also hopes to promote equal rights for LGBTI people to employment, education, provision of goods, facilities or services, and social participation. Please see the details of the parade below and click on the link for more details.

Date:	7 November 2015 (Saturday)
Gathering Time:	2:00pm
Gathering Venue:	Victoria Park (Near Causeway Bay MTR Exit)
Route:	Victoria Park, Causeway Bay (No.1 Football Pitch) --> Hennessy Road (West Route) --> Tamar Park, Admiralty

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The Zubin Foundation (TZF), together with its advisory partner SpencerStuart, is launching Race for Opportunity: DIVERSITY LIST, a directory of committed ethnic minority individuals who have the skills, experiences and passion to serve on Hong Kong SAR Government (HKSARG) advisory committees. This list will be launched in March/April 2016. It aims to put forward individuals who meet certain criteria to serve on HKSARG committees; identify ethnic minority role models; demonstrate to the public at large that there are ethnic minorities from all backgrounds who are qualified and committed to serving in decision-making positions for the betterment of Hong Kong; identify ethnic minorities who are not currently on the radar of Government and community leaders; and increase the voices of ethnic minority represented throughout Hong Kong. The DIVERSITY LIST follows a self-nomination process, which closes on 10 December 2015. Please see the link below for more details.

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