********************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Women's Commission:
The Women's Commission released today (December 15) the Report on Hong Kong Women's Development Goals.
The Report provides a systematic plan for the promotion of Hong Kong women's continuous development. It aims to address the community's concerns and aspirations about women's issues in a consolidated manner, and to suggest a common direction for the development of women in Hong Kong by consolidating views from different quarters of the community.
The Report proposes 14 goals and 36 strategies (see Annex) in the areas of participation in decision making, health, safety, education, economics and systems for women's development.
The Chairperson of the Commission, Ms Sophia Kao, said, "I am pleased to announce the successful completion of the formulation of Hong Kong women's development goals and the publication of the Report. Hong Kong women's development goals represent common goals which will be useful for the Government and various sectors to respond to and endeavour towards the building of a better and harmonious society with gender equality.
"The 14 goals and 36 strategies suggested in the Report are the result of extensive consultations with representatives of women's groups and relevant non-governmental organisations, discussions with the Government bureaux/departments concerned, and careful deliberations by the Task Force set up by the Women's Commission. They represent a shared view on the key issues concerning women and practical ways to further promote women's interests in Hong Kong."
Apart from the 14 goals and 36 strategies detailed in the Annex, Chapter 4 of the Report also sets out some issues that should not be overlooked for the long-term development of women, regardless of the fact that our society has yet to reach a general consensus on them.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the groups, organisations, individuals, and Government bureaux and departments that have contributed views and ideas to this Report. We hope that the 14 goals and 36 strategies suggested in the Report are, by all standards, practical and effective, and can as far as possible solve relevant problems at source in a pragmatic and result-oriented approach, and that they will be ultimately included in the overall development plans of Hong Kong."
The Women's Commission was set up on January 15, 2001, as a central mechanism to promote the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong. It plays a strategic role in advising the Government on policies and initiatives on women's issues. The Commission set up a Task Force in late 2009 to study key issues concerning women's interests, with a view to suggesting to the Government the goals and strategies for women's development.
Ends/Thursday, December 15, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:03
NNNN
