The unchained male

THREE years ago, Mok Hing-luen, a 35-year-old father of two, did something few men would even contemplate. He joined the Association for the Advancement of Feminism (AAF).

A look at membership lists of Hong Kong women's groups reveal how seldom men are prepared to put themselves on the frontline in the battle for equality. In the AAF, a leading feminist organisation, just four per cent of members are men. In another prominent group, the Hong Kong Federation of Women's Centres, they make up two per cent.

Mr Mok, a senior lecturer in social work at the City Polytechnic, says his interest in women's rights arose from academic curiosity and his earlier experience as a community social worker. The new wave of feminism in the territory in the late 80s proved the catalyst to his taking up membership in AAF.

''Before I joined the women's movement, I wasn't really aware of how women were discriminated against,'' he said.

''The more I got involved in the movement, the more sensitive I became.'' Yes, he says, women's social position has improved since the 60s and 70s, but discrimination still exists due to Chinese tradition which places men ahead of women in most areas of life, especially in the family.

''Men and women are shaped into traditional roles from the time they are kids. They face strong pressure to conform to their roles.'' Introducing equality into the family is a good way to start changing this, he says. ''Men can help change discrimination by taking the initiative to alter roles within the family.