Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (fourth left) and other top officials raise a toast to celebrate the International Women's Day at a reception at the Central Government Offices in the city on March 8, 2024. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said women in Hong Kong underpin the development of society, facilitating economic and social development by contributing their wisdom and strength, and playing an important role in promoting family virtues. 

“The government will continue to unite all sectors in creating an enabling environment for women to develop their potentials and promote the all-rounded development of women, so as to drive forward the development of the country and Hong Kong,” he said at a reception Friday evening to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024.

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The CE and his wife Janet Lee officiated the reception held by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and Women’s Commission. 

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivers his speech during the International Women's Day Reception 2024 at the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong on March 8, 2024. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

It was attended by members of the Women's Commission and representatives from women’s groups, non-governmental organizations and the local community.

Addressing the ceremony, Lee said that in his Policy Address, he announced that the government will set up a Women Affairs Team and designate the post of Commissioner for Women Affairs to steer its relevant work.

The Women’s Commission is today 23 years of age. And 23 means a lot, not just to the Women’s Commission this year, it also means a lot to Hong Kong today.

John Lee, Chief Executive, HKSAR

“The commissioner will work hand in hand with the Women’s Commission to advance our women’s well-being,” he added.

Lee also made a solumn appeal to his audience at the reception. “The Women’s Commission is today 23 years of age. And 23 means a lot, not just to the Women’s Commission this year, it also means a lot to Hong Kong today.”

“Today, we are pressing ahead with the enactment of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation. Today, we have gazetted the Safeguarding National Security Bill and introduced the bill to the Legislative Council. Today, the council, I am heartened to add, immediately convened a special meeting in the morning and is conducting two bills committee meetings in the afternoon to scrutinize the bill."

The CE emphasized that the legislation aims to improve Hong Kong's legal framework in safeguarding national security and is paramount to maintaining the city's long-term prosperity and stability.

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Appealing to all to support the special administrative region government’s work in ensuring the early enactment of the legislation, he said: “Getting it done, even one day earlier, means we can more effectively safeguard national security one day earlier.”

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen speaks at the International Women's Day Reception 2024 at the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong on March 8, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

Addressing the reception, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen said the Women Empowerment Fund, launched in June last year, has so far approved 145 projects of diverse nature and themes. 

Artists perform during the International Women's Day Reception 2024 at the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong on March 8, 2024. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will implement several new initiatives on family and women's development, including the setting up of a dedicated Women Affairs Team and designating the post of Commissioner for Women Affairs, and will organize the first Family and Women Development Summit and launch a one-stop family and women information portal, she said.

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“The bureau will continue to work closely with the Women's Commission in enabling women in Hong Kong to fully realize their due status, rights and opportunities in all aspects of life,” Mak added.