Chief Executive John Lee said Hong Kong is doubling down on its commitment to women and families, with various measures aimed at unlocking women’s potential and fostering stronger family bonds across the city.

Speaking at the Hong Kong Family and Women Development Summit on Tuesday, Lee noted that females make up more than half of the city’s population and women are contributing their talents across a wide range of fields.

He also pointed out that eight senior officials are women - the highest proportion of any administration in the city’s history.

The government, Lee said, places great importance on both women’s development and family well-being, and has actively rolled out several measures.

These include a women empowerment fund to support projects that benefit women, a mentorship programme pairing female university students with women leaders to cultivate leadership skills, a scheme that funds family education projects and a family awards scheme designed to encourage strong family values.

According to the chief executive, these initiatives lay a solid foundation for the development of Hong Kong’s women and families.

Looking ahead, he outlined two major directions for future progress.

"We will continue to create a favourable environment to stimulate development momentum. The key to protecting women’s rights and unleashing their potential lies in institutional safeguards and cultural guidance," he said.

"With Hong Kong’s diversity, inclusiveness and sound rule of law, every woman can seize her own development opportunities under a fair system."

He went on to say that the government would keep improving policies that support women in employment, entrepreneurship, lifelong learning and mental and physical health, so that women can shine in their respective roles.

Lee also emphasised the need to cultivate a fertile ground for harmonious families and build a caring, inclusive society.

"We will further promote the concepts of family, family education and family values so they take deeper root among the people," he said.

In her keynote speech, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak said the summit will help create an environment that unleashes “she power” and allows women to seize opportunities in the new era.


Edited by Thomas McAlinden