Step in the right direction
REGARDING the Governor's Policy Address, we appreciate the concern he showed for women in Hong Kong and the further opportunities he wants them to have. We can now expect to join the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) next year.
Thanks to the Government, women can now apply for positions such as a station officer in the Fire Services Department.
Women in the New Territories can vote, but do not have the right to inherit property from ancestors. Nowadays, the right to inherit property should apply to all Hong Kong residents irrespective of their gender and social origin.
Therefore the Government should establish a research orientated commission to enhance people's knowledge of human rights and to investigate the women's rights issue. Following its research, it should make public its findings and should make recommendations.
In addition, a complaints office should also be established, to allow women the chance to voice their complaints and solve the problems they are experiencing.
The Women's Commission also needs financial support so we hope the Government will dip into its budget and support it.
CHENG KA-WAI CHAN KA-HUNG Kowloon
