中文版

  1. The EOC Announces Findings of Study on Pregnancy Discrimination in SMEs

Announcement of Findings of Study on Pregnancy Discrimination and Negative Perceptions Faced by Pregnant Women and Working Mothers in Small and Medium Enterprises

The EOC has released on 4 May 2016 the findings from the “Study on Pregnancy Discrimination and Negative Perceptions Faced by Pregnant Women and Working Mothers in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)”, which reveal that negative treatment of pregnant employees and working mothers is occurring in the Hong Kong SME workplace. Overall, more than one in five (22%) employee respondents reported that they were discriminated during pregnancy, maternity leave, and/or within the first year after returning to work from giving birth. The most frequently reported form was absence from work due to pre-natal / post-maternity medical check-ups not being counted as sick leave, followed by being treated impolitely by the employer / colleagues.

The survey also suggests that supportive workplace measures for working mothers are still relatively uncommon in a number of areas. For example, only 17% of employers reported having implemented family-friendly measures in the workplace, and one in five (20%) of working mother respondents said they encountered difficulties in applying for leave to take care of their young children.

Picture of pregnant working woman

“Employment-related pregnancy discrimination remains one of the EOC’s most frequently received complaints under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO),” said Prof. Alfred CHAN Cheung-ming, the EOC Chairperson. “With our rapidly ageing society and dwindling workforce, Hong Kong cannot afford to hold on to such views against our female employees, who form nearly half of our labour pool and whose potential must be nurtured  if  our  city  is to  enjoy

continued growth  and development. The Government and other key stakeholders, including employers, must work together to come up with a multi-faceted approach to tackle this situation, including through more supportive policies and measures as well as wider public education.”

Read the press release
Read the study
News highlights

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  1. The EOC Supports Barrier-Free Access to Information with the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme

Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme Awards Presentation Ceremony

Since 2013, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the EOC have co-organised the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme annually to encourage local enterprises and organisations to adopt accessibility design in their websites and mobile apps. Making websites and mobile apps accessible not only facilitates everyone, including disability groups, to have access to information technology, but also helps to open up business opportunities and contribute to building an inclusive society. On 19 April 2016, the EOC Chairperson, Prof. Alfred CHAN, attended the OGCIO Awards Presentation Ceremony of the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme, and presented awards to various organisations selected for their achievements in a broad range of categories. A total of approximately 170 enterprises and organisations were applauded for reaching the prescribed accessibility requirements in their websites and mobile apps.

Indeed, the EOC has been actively promoting a barrier-free environment and a caring culture in Hong Kong. In 2015/16, the Commission was listed as a Barrier-free Organisation by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, which listing will last for 3 years until February 2018.

Separately, the Social Welfare Department is now inviting applications for two funding schemes aimed at people with disability, “The Jockey Club IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment” (22nd round) and the “Central Fund for Personal Computers” (34th round). Eligible organisations, educational institutes and individual persons with visual impairment (PVIs) may apply for “The Jockey Club IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment”, which aims to enhance access to information technology for PVIs and to facilitate their fuller inclusion into the community. The “Central Fund for Personal Computers” is for eligible persons with disabilities, and aims to assist them in acquiring the required computer facilities for self-employment at home or for receiving supported employment service at home. The deadline for both the Scheme and Fund is 31 May 2016.

More details on the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme
More details on “The Jockey Club IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment” and the “Central Fund for Personal Computers”

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  1. The EOC Shortlisted as Co-Finalist of the 2016 HK LGBT Inclusion Awards organised by Community Business

LGBT Advocacy Award organised by Community Business

Organised by Community Business, a Hong Kong-based not-for-profit organisation advancing responsible and inclusive business practices in Asia, the Hong Kong LGBT Inclusion Awards are the only awards recognising the exceptional dedication and accomplishments of individuals, companies and organisations in advancing equality and inclusion for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBT) individuals in the Hong Kong workplace and community. This year, among the 100 nominations received for the 11 award categories, the EOC has been selected as one of the co-finalists for the “LGBT Advocacy Award”, together with the Gender Research Centre of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, for our Study on Legislation against Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status, released in January 2016.

All the Award Winners will be announced at the 2016 Hong Kong LGBT Inclusion Awards Gala Dinner, which will take place on 17 May 2016 at the Island Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong, in commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). The EOC is delighted to be a supporting organisation of the Gala Dinner. Join business leaders, LGBT advocates and champions, leading media, as well as other key stakeholders as Community Business announces the winners and participate in a charity auction and raffle to help sustain Community Business’ important work in this area.

Date: Tuesday, 17 May 2016
Time: 6.30pm – 10:30pm
Venue: Island Ballroom, Level 5
Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, Pacific Place, Admiralty

See the Study on Legislation against Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status
See all the Finalists of the Hong Kong LGBT Inclusion Awards 2016
About the Gala Dinner
Registration to the Gala Dinner

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  1. Join the Equal Opportunities Slogan Competition!

Equal Opportunities Slogan Competition

Join the Equal Opportunities Slogan Competition, share your thoughts on equality, and get a chance to win great prizes! In not more than 30 words, write a slogan on racial equality; inclusion of persons with disabilities; gender equality; and/or respect for persons with different family status. The slogan can be written in either Chinese or English, and each entrant may submit a maximum of 3 slogans. Send your slogan by post, fax, or through the online entry form. There are two divisions: Youth (Age 18 years or under) and Open (Age 19 years and over). Entry deadline is 30 June 2016.

Details and online submission of entries

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  1. HSBC Community Partnership Programme Calls for Application

HSBC Community Partnership Programme

Launched in 2012, the HSBC Community Partnership Programme, supported by the Home Affairs Department, the Social Welfare Department and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), aims to inspire district-based community initiatives to foster a more inclusive society. It also aims to enhance cross-sector collaboration to address the social needs of local districts and help charities and community organisations in Hong Kong build capacity. HSBC has appointed HKCSS to administer the applications and monitor the grant projects. The EOC is a supporting organisation of the Programme.

Since its launch, the Programme has supported more than 900 projects benefiting over 1,500,000 people in Hong Kong. In 2016, a total of HKD18 million is being allocated to district-based community initiatives across 18 districts in Hong Kong. Continuing the ‘Bringing People Together’ theme, HSBC Community Partnership Programme 2016 supports a wide range of district-based community initiatives up to 12 months organised by registered charities and voluntary agencies. Donation amount for each project ranges from HKD50,000 to HKD300,000. Three main themes are adopted to address the local needs and create sustainable impact in the community: youth and education, medical health and wellness, and environment. Application deadline is 13 May 2016.

Details

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Visit our website or download the EOC mobile app (Apple App Store / Google Play) to stay updated on the EOC’s work and positions, and to review our press releases and calendar training. Also, stay tuned on other equal opportunities issues and community initiatives by visiting our community resources and community events pages for information from our community partners, including publications, survey reports, publicity campaigns, and upcoming conferences.