Equal Opportunities Commission
2025
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EOC Gives Legal Assistance in a Pregnancy Discrimination and Victimisation Case
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (16 December 2025) filed legal proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Cap. 480) (“SDO”) in the District Court (Case number: DCEO 7/2025) on behalf of a woman (the Claimant) who alleged that her former employer (the Respondent) had engaged in unlawful pregnancy discrimination and discrimination by way of victimisation.
16/12/2025
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EOC Engages in Exchanges and Collaboration with Organisations from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to Promote the Development of Disability Affairs in the Greater Bay Area
The Fourth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Exchange Forum on Synergistic Promotion of Disability Rights and Services (the Forum), co-hosted by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), the Guangdong Provincial Disabled Persons’ Federation, the Social Welfare Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government and Shenzhen University, was held in Guangzhou from the afternoon of 7 December to 8 December 2025. The Forum brought together experts, academics and representatives of relevant organisations from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to discuss how to foster the participation of people with disabilities in sports and employment, as well as the support organisations can provide through innovation and technology to promote the development of disability services in the Greater Bay Area.
10/12/2025
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EOC Staff Study the Spirit of Fourth Plenary Session of 20th CPC Central Committee
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (25 November 2025) held a second seminar on the promotion of spirit of Fourth Plenary Session of 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee). Hosted by the publicity delegation of the Central People’s Government, the seminar was held at the Central Government Offices with a live broadcast simultaneously. The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) staff watched the live broadcast of the seminar in the office to learn about the spirit of Fourth Plenary Session of 20th CPC Central Committee and understand how the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (Recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan) will lay a more solid foundation for the country in moving towards the basic realisation of socialist modernisation.
25/11/2025
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EOC Recognises 96 Organisations in the Inaugural Racial Diversity & Inclusion Employers Award Scheme and Urges the Public to Vote in the Legislative Council Election to Foster a Racially Inclusive Society
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (21 November 2025) held the award presentation ceremony for the 2025 Racial Diversity & Inclusion Employers Award Scheme (Scheme) at the HKEX Connect Hall. The ceremony honoured organisations dedicated to promoting racial equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace through concrete policies and practices. A total of 96 organisations were recognised in the inaugural Scheme.
21/11/2025
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EOC Members and Staff Members Participate in the National Studies Course
Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Members Ms Queenie CHAN Lai-kwan and Dr Theresa CUNANAN, along with eight EOC staff members, participated in a national studies course at Zhejiang Institute of Administration in Hangzhou from 13 to 17 October 2025. Co-ordinated by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and specifically designed for statutory bodies in Hong Kong, the course aims to enhance the participants’ understanding of the country and the latest social and economic development through themed lectures, panel discussions and field trips. Apart from the EOC, representatives from the Office of the Ombudsman and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data also participated in the national studies course.
20/10/2025
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EOC Launches Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme 2025/26 to Nurture a New Generation of Equality Champions and Raise Awareness of Anti-Sexual Harassment and Mental Health
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) announced today (17 October 2025) the launch of the Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme (Scheme) for another year. The Scheme will recruit 50 full-time tertiary students to become Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassadors. The students will engage in a series of experiential learning activities to cultivate a spirit of diversity, equality and inclusion. In addition to retaining anti-sexual harassment training as a key component, this year’s Scheme will also introduce a visit to the Mental Health Experience Museum to strengthen the Youth Ambassadors’ awareness of mental health issues. Applications for the Scheme are now open and the deadline is 16 November 2025.
17/10/2025
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EOC Launches Second Universal Design Award Scheme and a New Guide Titled Breaking Barriers: Insights from the EOC’s Cases
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) announced today (9 October 2025) the launch of the second Universal Design Award Scheme (UDAS) and introduced a new guide titled Breaking Barriers: Insights from the EOC’s Cases (the “Guide”). Following the enthusiastic response to the inaugural edition, which was launched in 2024/25, the EOC launched the UDAS again to further encourage various premises in Hong Kong to enhance accessibility. Meanwhile, the Guide is based on the first review the EOC has conducted of past complaint cases related to the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO). It highlights common operational and attitudinal barriers and provides examples of complaint cases and practical recommendations. By releasing the Guide together with the launch of the UDAS, the EOC aims to further promote the concept of universal design.
09/10/2025
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EOC Welcomes the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) welcomes the wide range of initiatives set out in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address delivered today (17 September 2025) that aim to improve livelihoods and promote care and inclusion.
17/09/2025
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EOC Launches 2025/26 Racially Friendly Campus Recognition Scheme
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (1 September 2025) announced the launch of the 2025/26 Racially Friendly Campus Recognition Scheme (the “Scheme”). First introduced in the 2022/23 school year, the Scheme aims at encouraging schools to foster racial equality and inclusion on their campuses through organising student activities, mobilising teachers to undergo training and promoting racial equality and inclusion messages through their publicity channels.
01/09/2025
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EOC Holds Briefing Session to Enhance Staff Members’ Understanding of National Security
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) held a briefing session on national security on 15 August 2025, with Mr Michael CHEUK Hau-yip, Under Secretary for Security of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, invited as the speaker. Mr Cheuk explained the relevant laws on safeguarding national security, the purpose of the legislations and their provisions, enabling staff members to gain a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding national security.
15/08/2025
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EOC Releases Findings of Study on Family-Friendly Employment Practices from the Perspectives of Human Resource Managers and Family Members of Employees
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (12 August 2025) released the findings of the Study on Family-Friendly Employment Practices from the Perspectives of Human Resource Managers and Family Members of Employees (the Study). The Study found that the surveyed family members of employed persons perceived a highly negative impact on balance of work and family when employed persons are required to respond to work or be on standby outside regular office hours. Around 90% of surveyed Human Resources (HR) professionals reported that their organisations lacked guidelines or policies on family-friendly employment practices (FFEPs). The Study recommends that organisations should set out FFEP policies in writing to enable employees to fulfil family responsibilities and prevent workplace discrimination on the ground of family status.
12/08/2025
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EOC Launches the Guide on How to Support Employees with Mental Health Conditions at Work
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (29 July 2025) launched the Guide on How to Support Employees with Mental Health Conditions at Work (the “Guide”), with the aim to help employers and managers better understand how to support employees with mental health conditions. By explaining the negative stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and sharing personal experiences of persons with mental health conditions, the Guide seeks to enhance awareness and understanding of mental health among employers and employees. The Guide also provides possible reasonable accommodation measures to help employers and employees create a mental health-friendly and inclusive workplace.
29/07/2025
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EOC Presents Awards to Winners of “Safe Spaces for All: Anti-Sexual Harassment 60-Second Video Contest 2025”
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (17 July 2025) held an award ceremony for the “Safe Spaces for All: Anti-Sexual Harassment 60-Second Video Contest 2025”. The Guest of Honour, Mr Clement WOO Kin-man, Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, gave a speech and presented awards to the winners from Secondary Education, Higher Education and Open categories.
17/07/2025
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EOC Holds Ceremony to Commend Schools Participating in the Third Racially Friendly Campus Recognition Scheme
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) held a ceremony today (4 July 2025) to commend schools participating in the 2024/25 Racially Friendly Campus Recognition Scheme for their achievements in implementing racial inclusion initiatives. The Education Bureau continued to support the Scheme this year and the event was officiated by Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Scheme aims to encourage schools to educate their students on racial inclusion through diverse activities. Participating schools were required to organise student activities to promote racial equality and inclusion on their campuses, and to make arrangements for their teachers to attend training. This year, the Scheme has attracted the participation of 133 kindergartens, as well as primary and secondary schools. All participating schools have met the criteria of the Scheme and were recognised as Racially Friendly Campus Champions.
04/07/2025
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Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme 2024/25 Concludes with Staunch Support from Tertiary Institutions and Student Achievements in Promoting Anti-sexual Harassment on Campus
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (14 June 2025) held a recognition ceremony for the Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme 2024/25. In the presence of EOC Chairperson Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau, EOC members, and tertiary institution representatives, dozens of Youth Ambassadors were presented with certificates in recognition of their commitment, enthusiasm, and achievements in their participation in the programme.
14/06/2025
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EOC Holds Inaugural Equal Opportunity Cup Inter-School Debate Competition to Promote Diversity and Inclusion with Hong Kong University Graduate Association College Winning the Championship
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (3 May 2025) held the Grand Final cum Award Ceremony of the Equal Opportunity Cup Inter-School Debate Competition. After 30 rounds of the tournament, which were held over the past two months, Heep Yunn School and Hong Kong University Graduate Association College entered the Grand Final. The two schools competed for the championship with a heated debate on the motion: “The advancement of technology is more beneficial than harmful in achieving an inclusive society”. Hong Kong University Graduate Association College took home the championship, while Heep Yunn School secured the first runner-up. Meanwhile Fanling Rhenish Church Secondary School and Tsung Tsin Christian Academy shared third place.
03/05/2025
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EOC Welcomes New Members and Extends Gratitude to Outgoing Members
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) welcomes the Government’s announcement today (2 May 2025) on the appointment of five new members and the re-appointment of nine incumbent members to the EOC by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. They will serve a two-year term with effect from 20 May 2025.
02/05/2025
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EOC Gives Legal Assistance in a Sexual Harassment Case
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (24 April 2025) initiated legal proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO), Cap. 480, in the District Court on behalf of a female secondary school student (the Claimant) (Case number: DCEO 3/2025). The Claimant alleged that a male classmate (the Respondent) sexually harassed her on many occasions from Form 2 to Form 4. These acts included sending sexually-indecent messages to her via instant messaging app and engaging in unwelcome physical contact. Despite the Claimant’s clear, explicit and consistent rejections of these sexual harassment acts, the Respondent continued to harass her and even escalated his conduct. The Claimant found these acts of sexual harassment offending and humiliating.
24/04/2025
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EOC Holds Sharing Session on the Role of Qianhai in Shenzhen-Hong Kong Co-operation for Staff Members
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) held a sharing session titled “The Role of Qianhai in Shenzhen-Hong Kong Co-operation” on 11 April 2025. Mr Gary WONG Chi-him, Chief Hong Kong-Macao Liaison Expert at the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen and EOC Member, was the speaker at the sharing session, which deepened staff members’ understanding of Qianhai’s planning, latest development, and the opportunities it offers.
14/04/2025
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EOC Holds Appreciation Event for Leaders and Stakeholders from Diverse Ethnic Communities
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (12 April 2025) hosted an appreciation event to recognise the contributions from community stakeholders in advancing racial equality in Hong Kong. The event, which commemorated both the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the 15th anniversary of the implementation of the Race Discrimination Ordinance (RDO), brought together around 100 representatives from over 80 ethnic community groups and stakeholder organisations dedicated to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion.
12/04/2025
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EOC Calls on the Community to Promote Racial Inclusion to Mark IDERD 2025
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is calling on stakeholders and the wider community to promote racial diversity and inclusion to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) 2025, which is celebrated annually on 21 March.
20/03/2025
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EOC Announces Growing Support for the Racial Diversity & Inclusion Charter for Employers Among SMEs with Signing Ceremony and Report Launch
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (18 March 2025) held a signing ceremony to welcome 14 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the SME Sustainability Society as new signatories of the Racial Diversity & Inclusion Charter for Employers (“Charter”). By signing the Charter, they pledge to promote racial diversity and inclusion (D&I) in their respective workplaces, joining over 500 other signatories in making the commitment publicly.
18/03/2025
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EOC’s Response to Statements Made in Respect of the Conduct of the Disability Discrimination Complaint Made by Foreign Domestic Worker Ms Baby Jane Allas, now Deceased
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) issued the following statement today (10 March 2025) to set the record straight in response to recent media reports (9 March 2025) of the statements made by the family of foreign domestic worker Ms Baby Jane Allas, alleging that the EOC has been handling the case of Ms Allas for an extended period without any resolution:
10/03/2025
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EOC Welcomes the District Court’s Ruling on a Sexual Harassment Case
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (19 February 2025) welcomes the District Court's ruling on 14 February 2025 concerning a sexual harassment case (DCEO 4/2023). The court ruled in favour of a foreign domestic worker (the Claimant), holding that her former employer (the Respondent) had engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment as defined under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO) (Cap. 480).
19/02/2025
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EOC Calls for Application for the 2025-26 Community Participation Funding Programme on Equal Opportunities
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (5 February 2025) announced that the 2025-26 Community Participation Funding Programme on Equal Opportunities (Funding Programme) is open for application. The Funding Programme consists of two categories, namely “General Projects” and “Thematic Projects”, with a maximum amount of funding set at HK$100,000 and HK$150,000 respectively for each project. Interested parties are invited to submit their applications to the EOC on or before 31 March 2025.
05/02/2025
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EOC launches Racial Diversity & Inclusion Employers Award Scheme
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) calls for applications for its Racial Diversity & Inclusion Employers Award Scheme. The Award Scheme aims to recognise organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to implementing policies and practices that create work environments ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for employees of all races. Applications are now open until 31 March 2025. All employers in Hong Kong are welcome to participate in the Award Scheme.
22/01/2025
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EOC Expresses Concerns over Alleged Sexual Harassment Incident Involving a Restaurant Staff
In response to media enquiries regarding an alleged sexual harassment case involving a restaurant staff and whether the behaviour is unlawful under the anti-discrimination ordinances, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) issued the following statement:
06/01/2025
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