In Hong Kong there's already a high representation of women in the workforce. However, it's a continuing process and there's some way to go to ensure women are getting senior jobs based solely on merit.
Young women workers coming through the ranks look to role models who they can learn from and emulate, and the annual Women of Influence Awards provides inspiration to both the winners and those who will follow in their tracks.
Started in 2003, the fourth awards conference and ceremony was held last Friday at the JW Marriott Hotel. The Women of Influence Awards 2007 went to three individuals for Young Achiever of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Professional of the Year. There was also a Best Company for Women award.
The awards were begun by a group of women from the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. They already had a Women in Business award that had been emulated by other organisations, but felt that it did not go far enough to show women's influence, both in the workplace and within the community.
Consequently, the Women of Influence Awards were created for those who were both well-known and less famous, who were working hard to provide a better place for people - both within their firms and in society.
One of the original founders was Maura Fallon, chief executive of Fallon International and the current Women of Influence committee chair at the American Chamber of Commerce.