The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) announced a Year 2011 educational initiative today (31 March 2011) by launching a new  TV docu-drama series on discriminatory cases, entitled “A Mission for Equal Opportunities” (非常平等任務). Produced by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), the 6 episodes will be broadcast on TVB Jade Channel every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. beginning 6 April, 2011.

Speaking at a news conference, Mr. LAM Woon-kwong, Chairperson of the EOC, said, “Discrimination begins with prejudices: pre-determined mindset about others, biased generalizations on the basis of gender, color of skin, disabilities, sexual  orientation, age, and religion, are the common ones. The EOC sees or hears about instances of discrimination every day. Although the EOC is only mandated to implement the existing four anti-discrimination laws, we also have the important moral obligation of being a strong advocate on other discrimination issues which are not covered by the existing legislation.”

“In this new educational TV series, we have highlighted discrimination against the ethnic minorities in the provision of goods and services, sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. We have also explored the problem of accessibility in Hong Kong, age discrimination in employment and the impact of gender stereotyping on men’s lives,” said Mr. LAM.

Mr. LAM explained, “Constrained by the traditional value of masculinity (the "big man" image), men tend to have higher self-esteem. They are less likely to express their feelings or to seek for help when they encounter problems. These factors not only add tension to their emotions, but also adversely affect their family life and social participation. However, there is a lack of researched analysis into the effects on how men perceive their roles and lives in the midst of rapidly changing social and economic circumstances. We hope that the episode will initiate public discussion on how to build a more balanced relationship between the sexes.”

“This series will also for the first time draw public attention to a wide spread discrimination issue that has not been covered by legislation yet : age discrimination. It is an increasingly serious issue, with employers increasingly biased towards picking younger job applicants without genuine regard to experience and abilities. Many potential employees fail to return to the workplace even while they are only in 40s. Most developed economies have had age discrimination legislation for decades. It is high time that we should reflect on the need for similar legislation in Hong Kong,” said Mr. LAM.

The 6-episode docu-drama series is based on real-life cases. The programme will feature analysis of discriminatory acts and the legal perspective of equal opportunity issues. The series explores some possible solutions in circumstances where a person is being discriminated against.

In an effort to gauge public response to the series, EOC Officers will man a hotline after each episode from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. beginning every Wednesday, from 6 April through 11 May 2011. Members of the public are welcome to call the EOC Hotline at 2511-8211 to air their comments on the programme or ask questions about equal opportunity issues.

Guests from ethnic minority groups and celebrities were present at the news conference to promote the launching of the TV series.

For media enquiries, please contact Ms. Mariana LAW at 2106-2226.

Equal Opportunities Commission
31 March 2011