Equal Opportunities Commission
2018
-
EOC Welcomes the Introduction of the Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill into the Legislative Council
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) supports the elimination of discrimination on all grounds and welcomes the introduction of the Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill into the Legislative Council for First Reading and Commencement of Second Reading on 12 December 2018.
13/12/2018
-
Enterprises Sign Charter to Promote Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
The first batch of eleven enterprises have pledged to establish a diverse and inclusive workplace by signing the Racial Diversity and Inclusion Charter for Employers (Charter) launched by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (6 December 2018).
06/12/2018
-
The EOC Gives Legal Assistance in Pregnancy Discrimination Case
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has today (4 December 2018) issued legal proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO), Cap. 480 in the District Court, on behalf of a woman (the Claimant) who previously worked for a company (the 1st Respondent) as Manager. The Claimant claimed that the 1st Respondent discriminated against her on the ground of her pregnancy and that her former direct supervisor (2nd Respondent) knowingly aided the 1st Respondent to commit the unlawful discriminatory acts. The discriminatory acts included but not limited to extending the Claimant’s probation without any valid reasons, removing her main duties, relocating her to a new workstation near the washroom, denying her access to office email and printing machines, removing the Claimant from all work-related communication channels and platforms, requiring her to take unpaid leave to attend medical examination in relation to her pregnancy and terminating her employment after her maternity leave.
04/12/2018
-
EOC Honoured at Directors of the Year Awards 2018
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) was presented the Directors of the Year Awards 2018 on 29 November 2018 by the Hong Kong Institute of Directors in recognition of its corporate governance and professionalism of its Board.
03/12/2018
-
EOC Statement in Response to a Media Report
In response to a media report on Page A10 of Oriental Daily News on 20 November 2018, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) issues the following statement:
21/11/2018
-
The EOC and CUHK Co-organised the "Seminar on Prevention of Sexual Harassment in Churches"
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) co-organised the "Seminar on Prevention of Sexual Harassment in Churches" today (12 October 2018). The seminar aims to raise the awareness of sexual harassment and promote the formulation of effective anti-sexual harassment policies in churches to ensure that church-going remains a spiritually nourishing experience.
12/10/2018
-
The EOC Makes Recommendations on Review of Sex Education in Schools
The Policy, Research and Training Committee (PRTC) of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) recently submitted its recommendations on the review of sex education in schools to the Education Bureau (EDB).
11/10/2018
-
Conference Held in Hong Kong to Promote Equality in the Asia Pacific
(Hong Kong, 20 September 2018) For two days on 20 and 21 September 2018, over 270 participants from Hong Kong and around the Asia-Pacific region are meeting for the “Conference on Equality in the Asia Pacific 2018: Progress and Challenges”. This Conference, co-organised by the city’s Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF), will include some 70 leaders of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from 25 countries and over 200 representatives from Consulates General, chambers of commerce, academic institutions, government departments, public bodies, NGOs and the legislature in Hong Kong. Together they will examine the progress and challenges of advancing equality in the region, especially in relation to women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
20/09/2018
-
The EOC Gives Legal Assistance in Sexual Harassment Case
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has today (3 September 2018) issued legal proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO) Cap. 480 in the District Court on behalf of a woman (the “Claimant”) against her former supervisor (the “1st Respondent”) for sexually harassing her on a number of occasions and her former employer (the “2nd Respondent”) for being vicariously liable for the unlawful sexual harassment acts committed by the 1st Respondent.
03/09/2018
-
The EOC Gives Legal Assistance to a Foreign Domestic Helper in a Pregnancy Discrimination Case
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has today (31 August 2018) issued legal proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO), Cap. 480 in the District Court, on behalf of a foreign domestic helper (the Claimant) who alleges that her ex-employer (the Respondent) discriminated against her on the ground of her pregnancy by forcing her to resign.
31/08/2018
-
The EOC Releases Findings of the Study on Family Status Discrimination in the Workplace in Hong Kong
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has released the findings of the “Study on Family Status Discrimination in the Workplace in Hong Kong” today (22 August 2018), which show there is a lack of knowledge about family status discrimination and the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance (FSDO) among both employers and employees in Hong Kong. The study also reveals an understated number of discrimination cases, with employees taking leave to care for their families facing particular resistance.
22/08/2018
-
The EOC launches the Racial Diversity and Inclusion Charter for Employers
In its continuing efforts to engage businesses in promoting racial equality in employment, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has launched the Racial Diversity and Inclusion Charter for Employers. The Charter provides guidelines and best practices for employers wishing to make their workplaces more diverse and inclusive. By adopting the Charter, businesses not only show their commitment towards racial diversity and inclusion, but will also be able to set goals and keep track on their progress with the use of the guidelines.
06/08/2018
-
EOC Promotes Equal Opportunities through Funding Programme
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is to promote equal opportunities through its Community Participation Funding Programme on Equal Opportunities.
04/07/2018
-
EOC Article: Silenced in God’s Name: Sexual Harassment in Churches
Last Sunday, the Hong Kong Christian Council unearthed an inconvenient truth with a study on sexual harassment in Hong Kong churches: more than half of the 55 respondents have been sexually harassed or assaulted by a church leader or employee; near one-fifth were forced to engage in sexual activity. The appalling findings fueled an already simmering outcry over unchecked sexual aggression in God’s backyard, following recent media reports of sexual misdemeanors committed by senior pastors against both female and male churchgoers.
29/06/2018
-
The EOC Organised the “Employment Equality Project” to Promote Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
In order to enhance employment opportunities for and social inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs) and promote public understanding of the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO), the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 1 organised a public event titled “Employment Equality Project” at Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre today (19 May 2018).
21/05/2018
-
The EOC Gives Legal Assistance in Sexual Harassment Case
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) had today (18 May 2018) issued legal proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO) Cap. 480 in the District Court on behalf of a male employee of a Christian organization. He alleged sexual harassment in that a male senior staff member inappropriately touched his private part on a number of occasions in the course of his employment. The Plaintiff has obtained an anonymity order from the Court to protect his identity and he is identified as “A” in the Notice of Claim.
18/05/2018
-
The EOC Urges the Public to Accept the Siting of Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has expressed concern about the opposition of a number of residents to the plan of New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association to set up an Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (ICCMW) at the site of a former centre of The Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Association near Mei Wai House at Mei Lam Estate in Shatin. Responding to the residents’ worries that the service users of the ICCMW would affect the safety of the neighbourhood, the EOC urges members of the community to drop their worries and a “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) mentality, and accept the siting of the ICCMW as proposed.
02/05/2018
-
The EOC Welcomes New Members
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) welcomes the announcement by the Government today (20 April 2018) on the appointment of two new Members to the Commission by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The newly appointed Members are:
20/04/2018
-
Appointment of Members of Equal Opportunities Commission (Issued by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region)
The Government announced today (April 20) that the Chief Executive has appointed two new members to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) for a term of two years with effect from May 20, 2018.
20/04/2018
-
The EOC Holds a Corporate Seminar to Promote Racial Diversity in Employment
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) organised a seminar today (21 March 2018) on Corporate Role in Promoting Racial Diversity, with the support of HSBC. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Hon Dr LAW Chi-kwong delivered the keynote speech. Hosted at the HSBC Main Building, the seminar attracted participants from various organisations, including small, medium and large enterprises representing different sectors, such as banking, finance, trading as well as the non-profit sector including social enterprises and NGOs. Ms Diana CESAR, Chief Executive Officer Hong Kong, HSBC, gave the closing address.
21/03/2018
-
The EOC Gives Legal Assistance in Sexual Harassment Case
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has today (16 March 2018) issued legal proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO), Cap. 480, in the District Court on behalf of a woman (Claimant) claiming that the Respondent, who managed the premises occupied by the Claimant at the material time, had sexually harassed her with sexual remarks.
16/03/2018
-
The EOC releases survey findings on kindergarten admission policies and attitudes towards non-Chinese applicants
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (14 March 2018) released the findings of a kindergarten survey conducted from October to December 2017 among 179 kindergartens offering local curriculum to assess kindergarten policies and attitudes towards non-Chinese speaking (NCS) applicants. While the Commission is heartened to see less resistance from kindergartens in admitting NCS students, the worrying findings are that this openness is not backed by measures to support NCS children in language learning or in providing accessible information to NCS parents on their websites, all of which ultimately impact equal access to education.
14/03/2018
-
The EOC celebrated the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2018
In order to raise public support for racial equality in Hong Kong and to celebrate the United Nations’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) on 21 March, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has launched a city-wide campaign in March to promote racial integration through advertisements at MTR stations, public events, talks and seminars. One of the highlights of the campaign is a public education event entitled “Equal Opportunities Diversity Project” co-organized by the EOC and Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 2 (Radio 2) in Lok Fu Place today (10 March 2018).
10/03/2018
-
EOC Launches Citywide Campaign to Promote Racial Equality & Integration
This March, get ready to meet the colourful characters of the children storybook series Tally & friends at the MTR stations, as the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) rolls out a citywide campaign to promote racial equality, diversity and inclusiveness. Featuring MTR advertisement, public event, talks and seminar throughout the month of March, the month-long programme of events and activities aims to provide a platform for citywide action against racism, discrimination and intolerance, in observance of the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) on 21 March.
08/03/2018
-
Media Statement
In response to the allegation made by a complainant accompanied and supported by Mr LEE Cheuk-yan that the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has not provided legal assistance to the complainant for his claim of disability discrimination by his former employer, the EOC today (7 March 2018) made the following statement:
07/03/2018
-
The EOC and CUHK co-organized the Seminar on Enhancing Awareness of Sexual Harassment in Different Sectors
In order to promote anti-sexual harassment messages to different sectors of the society, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Gender Research Centre of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) co-organized the Seminar on Enhancing Awareness of Sexual Harassment in Different Sectors today (5 March 2018). Various speakers were invited to share their experience in launching anti-sexual harassment campaigns and discuss the issue of sexual harassment against women in the workplace and how to prevent sexual harassment in different sectors.
05/03/2018
-
The EOC released the findings of “A study on knowledge of sexual harassment and experience of being sexually harassed in the service industries: Comparing recent female Mainland Chinese immigrants with locally-born women”
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has released today (2 March 2018) the findings of “A Study on knowledge of sexual harassment and experience of being sexually harassed in the service industries: Comparing recent female Mainland Chinese immigrants with locally-born women”.
02/03/2018
-
Media Statement
In response to the allegations by some Members of the Legislative Council at the meeting of the Panel on Constitutional Affairs today (14 February 2018) that the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has committed nepotism in hiring a Chief Project Manager, the EOC has made the following statement:
14/02/2018
-
The EOC expresses concern over poverty situation of ethnic minorities
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is deeply concerned about the findings of the Hong Kong Poverty Situation Report on Ethnic Minorities 2016 tabled last week for discussion with the Poverty Commission. The EOC calls on the Government to take concrete measures for improving the employment potential of EMs as the key to alleviate their poverty, besides providing EMs with better access to Government subsidies and allowances.
13/02/2018
-
The SF&OC and EOC co-organise the “Seminar on Eliminating Discrimination and Anti-Sexual Harassment in Sports Sector”
The Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) co-organized an event: “To Foster the Olympic Spirit: Seminar on Eliminating Discrimination and Anti-sexual Harassment in Sports Sector” today (30 January 2018). The Seminar was attended by more than 200 representatives and staff members of various sports organisations and their affiliates. With the support from the Home Affairs Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Seminar aimed at raising the awareness on eliminating discrimination and preventing sexual harassment in the sports sector, as well as assisting sports organisations in understanding how to develop anti-sexual harassment policies and handle complaints, to ensure that everyone can participate in sports activities in a safe environment.
30/01/2018
-
The EOC Gives Legal Assistance in Pregnancy Discrimination Case
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has today (26 January 2018) issued legal proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO), Cap 480 in the District Court, on behalf of a woman (the Claimant) who previously worked for a company (the Respondent) as a clerk. The Claimant alleged that she had been discriminated against by the Respondent on the ground of her pregnancy by forcing her to resign, and later dismissing her after she resumed work from her sick leave for her miscarriage.
26/01/2018
-
EOC Promotes Equal Opportunities through Funding Programme
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is to promote equal opportunities through its Community Participation Funding Programme.
16/01/2018
-
EOC Article: Hong Kong Has No Place for Racial Discrimination
Following the recent ruling of a case, certain individuals verbally insulted a magistrate outside the court with derogatory names and remarks related to her race to express their dissatisfaction with the judgment. The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is highly concerned about the incident and strongly condemns such acts, which tarnish Hong Kong’s image as a cosmopolitan and multicultural city where equality and diversity are valued. Furthermore, such discriminatory remarks and abuses may constitute contempt of court and violate the Race Discrimination Ordinance (RDO).
04/01/2018
-
EOC Makes Submission on Consultation Paper by Inter-departmental Working Group on Gender Recognition
In response to the Consultation Paper on Gender Recognition by the Inter-departmental Working Group on Gender Recognition (“IWG”) in June 2017, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has made a Submission to the IWG detailing its views on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper.
02/01/2018
EO Club Login
