中文版

1

  1. EOC welcomes research projects under new edition of funding programme

Photo of documents and reports placed on a desk. A bar chart is shown in one of the reports.
The EOC is now accepting applications for the 2020/21 edition of its “Funding Programme of Research Projects on Equal Opportunities” until 1 September 2020, 5pm. The scheme aims to support studies on issues that fall within the scope of the four anti-discrimination ordinances enforced by the EOC, namely the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, Disability Discrimination Ordinance, Family Status Discrimination Ordinance and Race Discrimination Ordinance.

A maximum of HK$50,000 will be granted for each approved project, with additional funds – capped at $10,000 – available for applicants who wish to carry out follow-up activities based on the research findings, such as workshops and seminars for relevant stakeholders. Preference will be given to projects serving one or more of the following purposes, as prioritised in the EOC’s latest three-year strategic plan:
A variety of projects have benefited from the programme in the past, looking into issues such as the accessibility of major websites in Hong Kong, the learning of non-language subjects among ethnic minority students, and gender stereotypes in the local media, among others.

A briefing session in Cantonese and another in English will be held at the EOC Office from 2:30pm – 3:45pm on 16 and 19 June respectively. For enquiries, please contact the EOC at 2106 2255 or prtdevent@eoc.org.hk.

Read the application guide
Download the application form
Register for a briefing session
2


  1. EOC named finalist at 2020 Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Awards for LGBT+ Advocacy

Illustrated image of a gay couple and a lesbian couple, each under a rainbow umbrella
The EOC has been nominated along with Allen & Overy as one of the finalists at the 2020 Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Awards under the category “LGBT+ Advocacy”.

A report commissioned by the EOC and released by Allen & Overy in June 2019 revealed that differential treatment between opposite-sex marriages and other alternative relationships, such as same-sex marriages, as well as opposite or same-sex cohabiting couples and civil partners, currently exists in as many as 21 areas of Hong Kong law. This impacts entitlement to inheritance and access to public housing and reproductive technology, among other aspects of daily life.

The report serves as a timely and valuable reference for the EOC and indeed any organisation committed to addressing discrimination against marginalised groups, including the LGBT+ community.

The award results will be announced on 30 July 2020 at the gala dinner hosted by Community Business.

Download the report
View the finalist line-up
3


  1. Application for Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme to close on 19 June

Photo of a laptop, tablet and smartphone on a white wooden table. The screens are showing the same website, which features a responsive design.
Do the graphics on your website come with text tags that can be recognised by screen readers used by people with visual impairment? Are your videos captioned, so that people with hearing difficulty can follow the dialogue or action on screen?

From socialising to shopping, from learning to working, from getting the news to finding recipes... so many spheres of everyday life have become intertwined with the Internet. But without accessible design, websites and mobile applications cannot deliver their promise of convenience and connectivity to all in society. By incorporating accessibility features into digital assets, businesses and organisations alike not only help to promote equal access to information and technology for people with disabilities, but also benefit from an expanded audience.

One way to reaffirm your commitment to digital inclusion is to take part in the 2020/21 Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme, organised by the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited and co-organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. The EOC serves as an independent advisor on the scheme, which includes two streams –  one for websites and another for mobile apps. Entrants may be given the Gold Award, Silver Award or the Friendly Website/Mobile App recognition, depending on the number of accessibility criteria they meet.

The call for submissions will close on 19 June 2020. Click the links below to learn more.

Download the application guide
Apply with your website
Apply with your mobile app
4


  1. Global Day of Parents takes on extra significance amid COVID-19

Photo of a parent’s hands passing a mini globe to a baby
The 1st of June marked the Global Day of Parents, designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an annual occasion to honour parents worldwide for their commitment to children, and to recognise the role of the family in the nurturing and protection of children.

The day gains extra significance this year, as families bear the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, with parents caring for out-of-school children and, at the same time, continuing their work responsibilities. By introducing family-friendly policies and practices, such as flexible hours, remote working and job sharing, employers can empower parents to safeguard their children’s well-being and minimise the disruptions brought to their life. 

Find out more about the steps employers can take amid COVID-19 by reading this guide published by the United Nations Children’s Fund, the International Labour Organization, and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.

More about the Global Day of Parents
More about the guide