The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) welcomes today’s judgment (DCEO7/2009) by the District Court in favour of a woman who was sexually harassed by her colleague in the workplace.

The EOC has granted legal assistance in this case to highlight that sexual harassment in the workplace should not be tolerated. Mr. LAM Woon-kwong, Chairperson of the EOC, commented, “Today’s ruling shows that conducts of a sexual nature, such as verbal remarks with a sexual overtone, are not acceptable at work. Every employee has the right to a workplace that is free from fear or humiliation, which will allow them to perform their best.”

“We welcome the ruling and hope that it will serve as a reminder to the public that unwelcome conducts of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment. It is vital for everyone, including employers and human resource practitioners, to be vigilant against such acts. We commend the Plaintiff for standing up against her harasser. As the Judge on this case mentioned, had it not been for her courage and persistence, the case would have never been taken to court, and justice would not have been done,” continued Mr. Lam.

“All employers, the Government included, are bound by the Sex Discrimination Ordinance to provide a harassment-free work environment for all. We call on all employers and employees to better understand what constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace and create a zero-tolerance culture on such acts,” said Mr. Lam.


For media enquiries, please contact Mr. Sam HO at 2106 2187.

Equal Opportunities Commission
23 December 2011