Dr Evelyn Lam Ho-yi, Chairman of the Hong Kong United Youth Association, attended NGOs: Advancing Women's Rights for an Equitable and Sustainable Future, Side Event at the 58th regular session of the Human Rights Council (HRC 58) at Palais des Nationson, Geneva on March 13.

Following is the full text of Dr Lam's speech at the scene:

Advancing Gender Equality – Hong Kong's Progress and a Global Call to Action

Good afternoon, Excellencies, and fellow advocates for gender equality.

It is a privilege to speak today as the first female Chairman of the Hong Kong United Youth Association, an NGO with over three decades of history and more than 33,000 members dedicated to youth development in Hong Kong SAR, China. In addition to this role, I also serve as a senior executive at a conglomerate, leading teams of thousands of employees across various regions. My journey reflects the progress Hong Kong has made in empowering women.

I would like to explore how global frameworks such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), have guided our path toward gender equality.

I shall highlight Hong Kong's advancements in education and the workforce, address the persistent barriers women face, and emphasize the crucial role of NGOs and global teamwork in achieving true equality and a sustainable future.

A Global Roadmap for Equality

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995 and endorsed by 189 countries. It identifies 12 key areas, such as education, health, and economic opportunity, as essential to eliminating discrimination and empowering women. This declaration has shaped policies and reforms worldwide, including in Hong Kong.

Since CEDAW was extended to Hong Kong in 1996, the HKSAR Government has pursued robust measures to advance women's development through legal safeguards and policy initiatives.

These global frameworks have been instrumental in breaking down barriers and fostering equal opportunities. They affirm that gender equality is not a privilege but a fundamental pillar of human rights, social progress, and economic prosperity. Achieving this vision requires collective action at all levels, bringing together governments, NGOs, and individuals.

Hong Kong's Progress and Commitment

Hong Kong has long embraced this vision through comprehensive legal protections and proactive policies. Legislation such as the Sex Discrimination Ordinance and the Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance establishes a strong foundation to combat discrimination and gender-based violence.

Key institutions, including the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Women's Commission, ensure these laws are upheld, safeguarding women's rights across public and private domains.

Beyond legislation, the HKSAR Government actively supports women's empowerment through targeted initiatives. For example, the Women Empowerment Fund provides resources for childcare support, vocational training, and career development. These measures enable women to harmonize professional ambitions with family responsibilities, fostering an environment where they can thrive in both spheres.

Education and Workforce: Progress and Challenges

Education serves as a cornerstone of gender equality, and Hong Kong's achievements in this realm are noteworthy. In 2023, women constituted over half of university graduates, equipping them with the expertise to excel across industries.

Today, women are excelling in professional fields. They now represent more than half of solicitors and Certified Public Accountants, challenging longstanding gender norms in professional fields.

These accomplishments have elevated Hong Kong's global standing. In 2022, Hong Kong ranked 4th globally in the United Nations' Gender Development Index, reflecting Hong Kong progress in health, education, and income equality.

However, while these milestones are significant, challenges persist, particularly in corporate leadership. In 2022, only 16% of board seats in Hang Seng Index companies were held by women, with 40 % of listed companies having all-male boards.

To address this, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing mandated in 2021 that all listed companies appoint at least one female board director by 2025. By October 2024, female board representation rose to 20.8%, with female CEOs increasing to 5.6%.

While substantial progress is evident, Hong Kong still lags behind the global average of 23.3%, as reported by Deloitte Global's recent Women in the Boardroom report. However, even this global figure falls short of gender parity, signaling the need for intensified efforts locally and globally.

Regulatory mandates are driving change, but true gender equity requires a cultural shift, one that nurtures inclusive leadership, prioritizes female talent, and embeds gender diversity into both corporate and societal strategies.

The Barriers That Remain

Despite our progress, systemic and cultural obstacles endure. Workplace biases, often tied to assumptions about family roles, hinder women's career progression.

The gender pay gap also remains a persistent issue in Hong Kong. In 2023, women's median monthly earnings were 71% of those of men, highlighting a significant gender pay disparity. Workforce participation also reveals disparities, with only 52% of women active in the labor market, versus 63.6% of men.

Addressing these issues transcends legislation. It necessitates a societal transformation, challenging outdated norms, promoting shared family responsibilities, and cultivating workplaces that value competence over gender.

The Role of NGOs: Driving Change

At the Hong Kong United Youth Association, women constitute 40% of our board, leading critical committees in Student Affairs, International Affairs, and Business Development. They are selected based on their expertise and leadership, and their contributions to the Association are valued and recognized.

We ensure fairness in our selection process across all our programmes, including scholarships, internship, vocational training, and startup grants to help members achieve financial independence and career success based on their abilities and talents, rather than gender. Additionally, we actively promote gender equality through education and advocacy within our initiatives.

Through partnerships with NGOs across Hong Kong and Mainland China, alongside our strong support for governmental initiatives, we share resources, networks, and best practices, amplifying our collective impact and creating opportunities for women to thrive.

A Global Call to Action

Gender equality is a global endeavor requiring international cooperation. I call for greater exchange and international cooperation to advance women's empowerment.

By sharing best practices and collaborating on strategies, we can create synergy and drive progress together. Initiatives like leadership training, gender pay audits, and digital education platforms can provide women worldwide with the tools they need to succeed.

A Shared Responsibility for the Future

Hong Kong's journey underscores both our achievements and the work ahead. While robust laws and policies are vital, genuine change emerges when women are empowered to lead and innovate. My own path in public service and the private sector exemplifies what is possible when barriers are dismantled.

True gender equality demands bold action, steadfast resolve, and global partnership. Together, let's forge a world where every woman is empowered to realize her full potential, transforming equality from an aspiration into a lived reality. Thank you!

Cover photo: Provided by interviewee

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