Opinion | Legco debate on gender equality an important step in helping Hong Kong’s women

A recent motion on promoting women’s development sparked important debate in a legislature that has been too quiet amid recent reforms

Unleashing women’s potential and encouraging them to work while having more children will require reshaping views and bringing the issue to the community

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Children play along the Belcher Bay Promenade in Kennedy Town on March 14. Hong Kong’s lack of childcare and family-care options are just some of the hurdles women face in seeking to enter the workforce. Photo: Elson Li

Published: 6:15pm, 14 May 2023

The new political normal, under Hong Kong’s improved electoral system, ensures that squabbles are kept to a minimum and there is no stage for theatrics. We are shielded from the politicking and are free to go about our lives politics-free, allowing us to focus on “horse racing, dancing, speculating on stocks and making big money” – at least that is the plan, according to Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Xia Baolong.

For the most part, our Legislative Council members have kept a low profile. Watching debates in the chamber are about as entertaining as watching paint dry. Even the chief executive’s question and answer session in Legco is being revamped into an “interactive and consultative” exchange that allows lawmakers to express their views on specific issues instead of only putting questions to the chief executive.

The chief executive is not answerable to the legislature. He now graces the council with his presence to talk about what he wants to talk about, because, from now on, the matters for discussion are set by the administration.

But every now and then, something noteworthy does transpire from these proceedings. This was the case last Thursday, when debate was sparked by lawmaker Maggie Chan Man-ki’s motion, titled “Promoting the comprehensive development of women in Hong Kong”.

Twenty-eight lawmakers took part in the motion debate that was perfectly timed just before Mother’s Day. Many brought up the lack of childcare and family-care options, which are just some of the hurdles women face in seeking to enter the workforce.

Chan correctly pointed out in her motion that “in the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China … under the improved social security system, the country will remain committed to the fundamental national policy of gender equality and protect the lawful rights and interests of women and children”.