The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and Lok Kwan Social Service Ltd. jointly organized the "Equal Employment Opportunities for All" Variety Show, at the Dragon Market in Wong Tai Sin today (19 January 2003).


Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Anna WU, Chairperson of the EOC, said, "We are very pleased to be working with RTHK and Lok Kwan Social Service Ltd. in organizing this educational programme. This programme is part and parcel of our initiative to bring equal opportunities to every day life."


Ms. WU continued, "Today, I am able to meet many innovative entrepreneurs in the Dragon Market. It reminds me of the importance of creating an enabling environment for human capital investment and human resources development in our community. It also coincides with the objective of today's programme, which is to promote equal employment opportunities for all."


"Hong Kong is facing a major economic crisis, with many women workers and people with a disability being the first to bear the brunt of the economic restructuring and downturn. They are often unemployed or working without job security in temporary employment. These are difficult times and we need to foster an enabling environment for all, including women and persons with a disability, to enable them to become self-reliant and economically independent in as many ways as is possible." Ms. WU said.


Ms. WU called for the elimination of discrimination and promotion of equal employment opportunities for all. She explained, "By tapping into the largest pool of available talent and by recognizing diversity, employers can enhance the productivity of their organizations. When the best person hired for a job happens to be a person with a disability, or a woman, he or she will be able to bring in added value and therefore new business. Diversity in an organization will encourage innovative ideas and therefore improve its competitive edge."


Ms. WU officiated at the opening ceremony with the Hon CHAN Yuen-han, Legislative Councillor, and Mr. Eddie POON, Principal Assistant Secretary for Home Affairs. Today's variety show featured experience sharing of people with disabilities in employment, exhibitions and performances to convey the message of equal employment opportunities for minority groups.


Prior to the variety show, the educational programme also included a radio drama series featuring different scenarios of discrimination, which was broadcast on RTHK Radio 2 from 13 to 17 January 2003.

Enquiry: EOC Hotline 25118211