In celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2021, the EOC has launched a website spotlighting the major milestones it made over the years, as well as upcoming events and activities that underscore the continuing importance of promoting values of equality, diversity and inclusion in current times.
“Closely connected with the everyday life of citizens and the wellbeing of different communities, the EOC’s work serves to uproot ingrained prejudices and stereotypes,” said EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin. “While this has proven to be an increasing challenge amid drastic and complex changes to our society in recent years, the EOC has and will remain steadfast in its mission, professional in its duty, and proactive in its outlook.”
Whether in advocating law and policy reforms, incentivising businesses to build inclusive workplaces, or streamlining its complaint-handling procedures under a victim-centric approach, the EOC has prided itself on being an independent and professional body with both the passion and strategic expertise needed to bring about meaningful change.
Building on this spirit, the EOC will roll out a variety of initiatives in 2021, including the announcement of results of the inaugural edition of the Equal Opportunity Employer Recognition Scheme, a roving exhibition featuring original photographic works by members of disadvantaged communities, a conference on the challenges facing women carers with disabilities, the launch of a “behind-the-scenes” video showing what a typical day looks like at the EOC office, and many others. Check out our website now for the complete line-up of events.
A look at EOC’s 25 years of milestones
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As part of its 25th anniversary programme this year, the EOC is teaming up with the Association of Women with Disabilities Hong Kong (AWDHK) to organise the “Asia-Pacific Women Caregivers with Disabilities Conference 2021” on 22 January (Friday) from 2-4pm. The event aims to drive conversation about the intersectional experience of women who live with disabilities and assume caring responsibilities at the same time, and how stronger support systems can be built to address the challenges they face.
Guest speakers include Ms Miyeon KIM, Member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Prof Cecilia CHAN, JP, EOC Member and Professor Emeritus of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong; Dr FAN Ning, Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Ms Carmen YAU, Chairperson of AWDHK; and Ms Anne WONG Chun-miao, a PhD candidate from the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong.
The conference will be broadcast live on the AWDHK YouTube page (with English and Cantonese channels) and Facebook page. Click the link below for details on the programme rundown, and register by 20 January 2021 to get the video link prior to the event.
Learn more about the event and sign up
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Application will close on 31 January 2021 for the Equal Opportunity Employer Recognition Scheme. First of its kind in Hong Kong and a major highlight of the celebratory programme for the EOC’s 25th anniversary this year, the scheme aims to recognise organisations in private and public sectors who boast a proven history of implementing policies that advance gender equality; equality for people with diverse abilities; family status equality; and racial equality and inclusion.
While organisations may apply to receive recognition as an Equal Opportunity Employer in any of the four above areas, those that have excelled in all four categories may win the Equal Opportunity Employer Gold Award. SMEs with a track record of adopting inclusive practices may also be given the Outstanding SME Award. Results are expected to be announced in late April or early May 2021.
Apply now and show us how your organisation is realising the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. For enquiries, please write to:
eoemployer@eoc.org.hk.
Find out if you are eligible
Learn how applications are assessed
Apply now
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The EOC welcomes the report published by the Security Bureau on 8 January 2021 following its public consultation on the proposal to introduce “offences of voyeurism, intimate prying, non-consensual photography of intimate parts, and related offences”, and is pleased that relevant law drafting work has commenced.
Given its statutory function of working towards the elimination of sexual harassment, the EOC previously made a submission to the Government expressing its broad support for the proposal. As the existing law is inadequate in addressing increasingly rampant acts of image-based sexual violence, particularly when the culprit is using his/her own device for upskirting, the EOC shares the view that the introduction of these new offences is both timely and essential to deterring potential offenders and serving justice for victims.
In addition, the EOC stressed that the statutory language of the new offences should steer clear of distinctions based on gender and sexual orientation as far as practicable. The need to review the scope of the decade-old Sexual Conviction Record Check Scheme was also highlighted. For details, please click the link below.
Read the Security Bureau’s report
Read the EOC’s submission
Read the EOC’s press release
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With the support of the EOC, local art group New Moon Arts Dream is now inviting applications for a storytelling competition (平等共融小故事比賽). Submit a written story, photo, painting, voice recording or video about the importance of equality and inclusion for people with and without disabilities, and get a chance to win certificates and gift coupons.
Featuring two divisions, the competition is open to both students and members of the public. Application will close at 5pm, 29 January 2021. More details are available at the links below. For enquiries, please contact New Moon Arts Dream at 6482 9943 or
newmoonartsdream2020@gmail.com.
Visit the event page on Facebook (Chinese only)
Check out the rules and award categories (Chinese only)
Download application form (Chinese only)
