The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (27 November 2023) co-organised a forum on the prevention of workplace sexual harassment with Zonta Club of Kowloon and Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises (HKSME) Association. The event aimed to improve awareness and understanding of the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong.

The forum offered participants a valuable opportunity to acquire knowledge of the legal protections concerning sexual harassment. It also provided practical insights on establishing safe and harassment-free work environments for SMEs. The event highlighted the benefits for implementing anti-sexual harassment measures, including improved staff retention, increased productivity, and enhanced corporate image. Conducted in a hybrid format, the forum attracted a diverse range of employers, management personnel, and human resource staff from SMEs in various fields, including construction, real estate, manufacturing, professional and business services, accommodation, and food service industry.

Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, EOC Chairperson, Ms Ada FUNG, President of Zonta Club of Kowloon, and Mr Andrew KWOK, Chairman of HKSME Association kicked off the forum with their opening speeches.

Mr Chu said, “The EOC is delighted to co-organise the anti-sexual harassment forum with Zonta Club of Kowloon and HKSME Association. Combating workplace sexual harassment has always been a priority for the EOC. In addition to handling enquiries and complaints related to sexual harassment, we also strive to educate and equip SMEs, as well as public and private enterprises, with knowledge of the law and practical measures. This forum creates a platform for the co-organisers and SMEs to exchange views and explore ways to build working environments free of sexual harassment. With enhanced understanding of the issue, we hope more SMEs will adopt a proactive and professional approach to prevent and handle sexual harassment in the workplace.”

Mr Kwok said, “As responsible employers, companies should adopt reasonable measures to prevent workplace sexual harassment. They also want to know practical and feasible ways to implement internal policies to prevent possible legal responsibilities.”

Speakers at the forum offered diverse perspectives on the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace. Dr Ferrick CHU Chung-man, Executive Director (Operations) of the EOC, explained the definition of sexual harassment under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance and the legal responsibilities of SMEs. He also highlighted the advantages of adopting a proactive approach to preventing sexual harassment, while introducing reasonable practical measures for SMEs. Ms Winnie TEOH, Chair of Advocacy Committee of Zonta Club of Kowloon and Past International Director of Zonta International, shared findings from a survey sponsored by Zonta Club of Kowloon in 2021, which found that sexual harassment in the workplace was highly prevalent in Hong Kong. The study recommended that employers should implement sexual harassment policies and provide appropriate training for employees. Ms Teoh also shared examples of international efforts to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Meanwhile, Ms WONG Lok-yung, Organiser of Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association, offered suggestions on effective measures to prevent sexual harassment in employment.

According to the Trade and Industry Department, there are over 360 000 SMEs in Hong Kong. They constitute over 98% of the business establishments in the city and employ more than 44% of the workforce in the private sector. Accordingly, SMEs have an important role to play in combating sexual harassment.

The EOC will continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach encompassing enforcement, prevention and education to raise public awareness of sexual harassment and related laws. Additionally, the EOC will strive to encourage more organisations across various sectors to adopt preventive measures.

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Equal Opportunities Commission
27 November 2023

(from fourth left) Mr Andrew KWOK, Chairman of Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises (HKSME) Association; Ms Winnie TEOH, Chair of Advocacy Committee of Zonta Club of Kowloon and Past International Director of Zonta International; Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, EOC Chairperson; Ms Ada FUNG, President of Zonta Club of Kowloon; Dr Ferrick CHU Chung-man, Executive Director (Operations) of the EOC; and Ms WONG Lok-yung, Organiser of Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association attend a forum on the prevention of workplace sexual harassment organised by the EOC, Zonta Club of Kowloon and HKSME Association.