World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is celebrated every year from 1-7 August in commemoration of the 1990 Innocenti Declaration, signed by policymakers, WHO, UNICEF and other organisations to affirm an international commitment to promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Themed “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility​”, WBW 2021 will focus on how breastfeeding contributes to the survival, health and wellbeing of all, and the imperative to protect breastfeeding worldwide.

Playing a key role in fostering a breastfeeding-friendly culture in Hong Kong, the Sex Discrimination Ordinance protects women from discrimination and harassment on grounds of breastfeeding in various areas of public life, thanks to recent amendments that took effect on 19 June 2021. More information on the meaning and scope of these protections is available via the EOC’s resources, from booklets and sector-specific guidance to explainers on Linkedin.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more content to come. In the meantime, check out other local organsiations such as Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Associaton (supported by UNICEF Hong Kong) and Hong Kong Breastfeeding Mothers’ Association who regularly share tips for breastfeeding women and roll out awareness campaigns to dispel myths around breastfeeding. The Department of Health also offers abundant resources for employers and providers of goods, services or facilities looking to adopt best practice.

• Learn more about WBW 2021
• Read our Booklet on Breastfeeding Discrimination in Employment and Related Sectors
• Read our Booklet on Breastfeeding Discrimination in Other Sectors