The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is disappointed at the Government's response to the United Nations CEDAW Committee's recommendations on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women in the Hong Kong SAR, in particular, rejecting the recommendation of a high-level central mechanism for formulating policies on women.

Commenting on the Government's response, the Chairperson of the EOC, Dr. Fanny Mui-ching Cheung said, "A central mechanism is necessary as the SAR needs a pro-active women's policy to address special concerns of women and to remove all barriers to equal opportunities. Removal of all barriers is necessary to provide a level playing field for women before all forms of discrimination against women can be eliminated."

Dr. Cheung said that Government should do more to groom women for political participation. "We urge the Government to take active steps to identify the many meritorious women whose contributions are invaluable to advisory and statutory bodies. Female participation on these committees will add a woman's perspective to policy issues that affect at least half of the population of Hong Kong."

"In its legislative review, the EOC has recommended the repeal of the exemption in the Sex Discrimination Ordinance given to the small house policy. Changes to this policy will enable the Government to remove the reservations entered under CEDAW and to demonstrate the HKSAR government commitment to the spirit of CEDAW," Dr. Cheung added.

Enquiry: EOC Hotline       25118211