The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) announces a Year 2005 educational initiative today (19 April 2005) by launching a new TV docu-drama series on discriminatory cases, entitled "A Mission for Equal Opportunities" (非常平等任務). Produced by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), the 6 episodes will be broadcast on TVB Jade channel every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. beginning tomorrow, 20 April 2005.


Speaking at news conference, Mr. Raymond TANG, Chairperson of the EOC, said, "The concept of equal opportunities is based on the respect for one another as fellow humans in a community that we all share. It is to ensure equal rights of access to and participation in every aspect of public life for everyone. In the promotion of equal opportunities, it is essential to change public attitudes. The production of the educational programme is to cultivate values which foster respect for human dignity and empathy for those who are disadvantaged in our society."


"In this new educational TV series, we have highlighted discrimination against people with mental illness, single parents and people whose family members have infectious diseases. As more women are getting married later in life, we have also explored pressures that single women might face including stereotypical attitudes towards gender roles and family roles," said Mr. TANG.


The 6-episode docu-drama series, comprising different stories of sex discrimination, disability discrimination and family status discrimination, is based on real-life situations. The programme will feature analysis of discriminatory acts and legal perspective of equal opportunity issues. The series also explores some possible solutions in circumstances where a person is being discriminated.


"Changing public attitudes involve the joint effort of the whole community. The EOC aims to work closely with government and non-government organizations to promote equal opportunities. We are very pleased to be working with RTHK in producing this educational programme to enhance public awareness and understanding of equal opportunities concepts and the anti-discrimination legislation."


To gauge public response to the series, EOC officers will man a hotline after each episode from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on every Wednesday, from 20 April 2005 to 25 May 2005. The public are welcome to call the EOC Hotline at 2511-8211 to air their comments on the programme or ask questions about equal opportunities issues.


Well-known composer, Mr. Lowell LO, popular singer, Mr. Edmond LEUNG, and other celebrities were also present at the news conference to promote the launching of the TV series.


Enquiry: Ms. Mariana LAW 21062226