The World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is celebrated from 1 to 7 August every year. Under the theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Creating Sustainable Support Systems”, the campaign this year calls for collaborative efforts across various sectors to prioritise breastfeeding and build a sustainable network to support breastfeeding.

Ahead of WBW 2025, EOC Chairperson Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau published an article in HK01 to encourage employers to create breastfeeding-friendly environments for mothers. Under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, it is unlawful for an employer to treat a female employee less favourably on the ground of her breastfeeding. From June 2021 to June 2025, the EOC received a total of 23 complaints related to breastfeeding discrimination and harassment. Around 90% of which occurred in the field of employment.

Ms Lam wrote, “In addition to providing private, safe, and hygienic breastfeeding areas, employers can offer flexible work hour arrangements and additional breaks to accommodate the needs of breastfeeding mothers. Employers should have written policies in place to explicitly express their support for breastfeeding employees and prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment. They should also strengthen training and education for staff to enhance their awareness and understanding of breastfeeding.”

• Read the article (in Chinese only)