The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) announces a Year 2000 educational initiative today (10 March 2000). A series of TV docu-drama on discriminatory cases, entitled "A Very Special Equal Opportunities Mission" (非常平等任務), produced by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), will be broadcast on TVB Jade Channel every Saturday from 7:35 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. starting from 11 March 2000 for nine weeks.

Speaking at a press conference, Ms. Anna WU Hung-yuk, Chairperson of the EOC, said, "Public education is a long-term process which calls for the participation of the general public and the support of the media. The production of this docu-drama series is one of our public education initiatives to enhance public awareness and understanding of the anti-discrimination legislation."

The 9-episode docu-drama series which highlights different stories of sex discrimination, disability discrimination and family status discrimination is based on true local cases. The programme will feature analysis of discriminatory acts and the legal perspective of equal opportunity issues as well as interviews with clients and members of the public who shared their real life experience of discrimination. The docu-drama series explores some possible solutions in circumstances where a person is being discriminated.

"Discrimination is often based on pure perception and prejudice. This is especially true for the stigmatization that goes with persons with mental illness and HIV/AIDS. Promotion of equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination call for attitude change and paradigms shifts in preconceived values. In this new educational TV series, we have highlighted discrimination against mental illness, HIV/AIDS and chronic illness as well as stereotypical attitudes towards gender roles and family roles." Ms. WU said.

EOC Officers will man a phone-in session after the broadcast of each episode from 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from 11 March 2000 through 6 May 2000. Members of the public are welcome to call at 2511-8211 if they want to give their comments on the programme or ask questions about equal opportunity issues.

Ms. Sit Ka-yin and other celebrities were present at the press conference to promote the launching of the TV series.

Enquiry: EOC Hotline       25118211