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EOC Promotes Equal Opportunities through Funding Programme

30/06/2006

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is funding more community programmes to heighten gender awareness and promote acceptance of equal opportunities in Hong Kong. The EOC announced that application for the second batch of the 2006/07 "Community Participation Funding Programme on Equal Opportunities" would start today (30 June 2006).  The funding programme aims to encourage community organizations to carry out projects in promoting equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination on the grounds of sex, marital status, pregnancy, family status and disability. This year, the Commission accords higher priority to sponsoring projects related to gender equality, workplace best practices and improving awareness of the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance (FSDO).

Since 1996, a total of 491 projects have been funded by the EOC to promote public awareness of equal opportunities, through a variety of community programmes.

The EOC is concerned about the lack of awareness relating to gender equity and pledges to continue its promotion of equality between women and men. Schools and community organizations are welcome to apply for projects that help prevent sex discrimination and sexual harassment in their communities, and campaign against gender stereotyping, sexual harassment and violence. As the majority of our complaints stem from the employment sector, the Commission encourages organizations and groups to promote anti-discrimination policies and practices in the workplace.

To improve awareness of FSDO, the Commission will also accord higher priority to projects aiming at promoting the ordinance.  Under the law, "family status" means the status of having responsibility for the care of an "immediate family member", who is a person related by blood, marriage, adoption or affinity. Discrimination against someone on the ground of family status in certain areas such as employment, education, and provision of goods, facilities and services is unlawful.

Funding applications to the EOC should clearly explain how the planned activities would promote equal opportunities, and/or foster anti-discriminatory attitudes and behaviours. The deadline for application is 31 July 2006.  The maximum funding limit of each project is $30,000. 

Interested organizations can contact the EOC office at tel : 2511 8211, or on fax 2877 7600 to obtain details of the programme and funding application forms, or visit our homepage at https://www.eoc.org.hk/en/news-and-events/events-and-programmes/eoc-events/community-participation-funding-programme.

 

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