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Why gender equality matters more than ever
Some say the fight for gender equality is outdated. Others say it is political correctness gone too far. But the truth is, unresolved issues of gender and power continue to underlie many of the problems plaguing the world today. Think the wage gap across different industries. Think period shaming and fat-bashing. Think trafficking and forced prostitution. Think how women and men still have very different understandings of consent, sometimes even among themselves. The questions feminism raises – what gender equality really means, how women get disempowered from aspiring towards their fullest potential, and why men, too, can be victims of patriarchal ideology – are as relevant as ever.
Bear this in mind as we prepare to honour the International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March, adopted by the United Nations in 1975. The theme this year, “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”, focuses on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Here in Hong Kong, the EOC has supported various community initiatives aimed at levelling the playing field for women. Indeed, many organisations are doing their part to identify ways of making the world a safer, more supportive place for women. Just last week, the Association for the Advancement of Feminism (AAF) gave an interview on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 2 about problems with anti-sexual harassment policies at local tertiary institutions, as revealed in their recent study funded by the EOC. Be sure to listen to the podcast and check out other activities in town:
- Sharing session (7 March) by Tammy WU, Executive Director of Lady M Hong Kong and Angelina YAO, Founder & CEO of Heels & Yield Limited under the #SheMeansBusiness initiative, organised by Facebook, Jervois One and The Women's Foundation;
- Celebration party (9 March) featuring games, gifts and performances, organised by Caritas – Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project (AMP); and
- Women Build 2019, a month-long campaign organised by Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong, Mother’s Choice and Pathfinders to help women and children living in vulnerable conditions by providing essential renovation services.
