Draft on women's status released

The government yesterday released a draft outline of its report on the status of SAR women before finalising it for submission to a United Nations committee.

The outline includes topics not covered by the Hong Kong delegation to the last hearing of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in February 1999.

These include access to information technology training for women, education and health services for women with disabilities, single parenting and smoking among women.

Hong Kong is required to submit its second report under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women to the central government by March.

Copies of the report outline were sent to women's groups last week for consultation.

A spokeswoman for the Health and Welfare Bureau said: 'The report will also give updates on administrative, legal and other measures taken to implement the convention, progress made in promoting women's wellbeing, significant changes in the status of women and equality of the sexes, as well as obstacles to the full achievement of the convention since the previous report.

'We will consider all submissions very carefully and try to address [women's groups'] views and comments, as far as possible,' she said.

An open consultation session will be held on October 12, with the consultation period due to end on October 26.

The draft can be accessed on www.women.gov.hk. Inquiries can be made at 2973 8165.