East Asian economies, China in particular, are among the fastest growing in the world, and many of them are characterized by relatively high levels of female labour force participation. At present, gender pay inequity is pronounced in the region and is characterized by persisting gender pay gap, occupational segregation and inadequate maternity protection for working women. These are the findings of "Work, Income and Gender Equality in East Asia: Guide for Incountry Research and Action" (the Guide) published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) this year.

To follow up on these issues, in May 2008, ILO, China Labour Association and Women Research Institute of All China Women's Federation jointly organized the Seminar on "Work, Income and Gender Equality". The seminar brought together about 50 experts and participants from government departments, businesses, unions, women's groups, universities and research institutes to discuss issues raised in the Guide and the labour market situation in China. The EOC's senior training officer Cynthia Lam shared the Hong Kong's experience in the implementation of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance and our work relating to equal pay for work of equal value.