Professor Tuan, Professor Lee, guests, teachers and students,

Good afternoon! I would like to thank The Chinese University of Hong Kong for inviting me. I would also like to thank the Committee Against Sexual Harassment for working so hard over the years to spread the message of gender equality and mutual respect to every corner of the campus.

Gender equality helps students develop their full potential

In a campus setting, equal opportunity means that everyone is able to acquire the knowledge they need and develop their talents fairly and without constraints. This brings benefits to both individuals and society at large.

However, if we are subject to unjustifiable discrimination or offensive treatment in the learning or working environment – being harassed, for instance, with words or acts targeted at our gender – then going to school or work will become a disturbing and even terrifying experience that hinders us from focusing on our studies and developing our potential at ease.

Equality and respect should cross gender boundaries

Some students may think there is nothing serious about teenagers making lewd remarks or physical contact "just for fun" as part of their everyday interaction. But don't forget that the campus is made up of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, with different beliefs and faiths. What seems alright to some people may be offensive to others. Therefore, we all have to hold ourselves accountable for the words we say and the things we do. Respecting one another is, after all, a responsibility that falls on both men and women.

Sexual harassment may be perpetrated by men on women, by women on men, or between members of the same sex. Indeed, the Sex Discrimination Ordinance protects both male and female and outlaws sexual harassment regardless of the gender of the harasser and the victim. What's more, the law also defines sexual harassment as the creation of a hostile or intimidating environment of a sexual nature, whether at work or in schools. Posting obscene posters or telling dirty jokes in public, for example, may be offensive, humiliating or intimidating to others and therefore against the law. This, again, applies to both men and women.

Gender-friendliness is a win for all

Hollywood's #MeToo campaign has inspired countless victims of sexual harassment to break the silence. In fact, data have shown that the more the victims tolerate in silence, the more likely they are to suffer further unfair treatment. A survey released by the EOC earlier this month reveals that here in Hong Kong, although locally-born women were significantly more able to identify acts of sexual harassment than female Mainland Chinese immigrants, among those who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, nearly 50% said they had taken no action at all. Many fear that they would be labelled as troublemakers if they lodge a complaint, while others are afraid of adverse effects on their career development.

Remaining silent and sweeping the problem under the carpet does not make it go away. By being a bystander and staying one, we add fuel to the fire. It hinders the victims from concentrating on their tasks, which affects their academic and work performance. If organisations lack an effective anti-sexual harassment policy and a complaint mechanism, they risk breaking the law by ignoring their vicarious liability.

It is heartening to be reminded that back in 1995, the year when Sex Discrimination Ordinance was enacted, CUHK established the Committee Against Sexual Harassment, and has since been committed to raising students’ and public awareness through various means of publicity and education, such as talks and activities. The University has also put in place a clear policy and a complaint system for handling sexual harassment in order to ensure everyone an equal and safe environment for study and work. And here at the EOC, as the statutory body responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination ordinances in Hong Kong, we have worked with various organisations over the years, including CUHK, to enhance students' and teaching staff’s understanding of issues relating to discrimination and sexual harassment through education and training.

While ordinances and policies are designed as deterrents, the ultimate solution to combating sexual harassment lies in fostering a culture of mutual respect and consideration among us all. As we bear this in mind, I wish a big success to the Campus-wide Respect Awareness Campaign this year, and I would like to extend my appreciation to everyone who has devoted their time and energy to put an end to sexual harassment! Thank you.