Women's rights advocates call for more change

Hong Kong still has some way to go in achieving gender equality, according to several champions of women's rights who spoke at a conference yesterday.

Award winners at the Women of Influence Conference called for a change in corporate culture models and in social perceptions, to give more empowerment to women.

One recipient of the five awards given out to people and companies with exceptional achievement in women's rights was Phyllis Marwah, founder of non-profit group Mother's Choice, which deals mainly with young and poor women.

Marwah said more open discussion was needed about sex, adoption and abortion - some of the issues that plague women, especially in poorer groups in the city.

"These women don't have a choice. They have … nowhere to go," she said, referring to a lack of access to information and services related to family planning, adoption and abortion.

Marwah called for better sex education in schools and more public education to create awareness of these issues.