Advancing Women's and Family Development in Hong Kong

At the Hong Kong Family and Women Development Summit, State Councillor Shen Yiqin emphasized the need for Hong Kong to adopt measures that align with the needs of women and family development as part of its first five-year plan. Shen, who is also the president of the All-China Women’s Federation and leads the State Council’s National Working Committee on Children and Women, outlined three primary goals aimed at enhancing welfare for women and families in the region.

South China Morning Post

Shen urged Hong Kong to recognize and integrate new trends and requirements into its planning, stating, “I hope Hong Kong can grasp the new trends and new requirements under the 15th five-year period and better incorporate the needs of women and family development as it drafts its first five-year plan.” Her remarks highlight a strategic approach to ensuring that the rights and interests of women are safeguarded while also promoting employment opportunities and improving caretaking services and family education.

South China Morning Post

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu met with Shen and expressed his commitment to advancing initiatives related to family and women's affairs. He pledged that the government would contribute more significantly to national development in these areas. Shen's call for pragmatic measures underscores the importance of creating a fair and inclusive society, which she believes is essential for fostering family-friendly environments.

South China Morning Post

While the summit's goals were generally well-received, some critics argue that the effectiveness of such initiatives depends on the actual implementation of policies rather than mere rhetoric. Concerns have been raised regarding the government's track record in addressing women's issues and whether the proposed measures will translate into meaningful change.

South China Morning Post

As Hong Kong prepares to draft its first five-year plan, the focus will be on integrating the outlined goals for women's and family development. The collaboration between the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Women’s Commission, and the Family Council will be crucial in ensuring that the needs of women and families are prioritized in future policies.

South China Morning Post

• “I hope Hong Kong can grasp the new trends and new requirements under the 15th five-year period and better incorporate the needs of women and family development as it drafts its first five-year plan,” — Shen Yiqin, State Councillor

South China Morning Post

• “In areas of safeguarding the rights and interests of women, supporting their employment and [enhancing] caretaking services and family education … [the government should] introduce more pragmatic measures to better foster a fair, inclusive and family-friendly society,” — Shen Yiqin, State Councillor

South China Morning Post