Gender equality is a global endeavor that requires international cooperation, chief of a Hong Kong-based NGO said on Thursday, calling for increased global collaboration to enhance women empowerment.

Evelyn Lam Ho-yi, chairman of Hong Kong United Youth Association, made the remarks while delivering a speech at a side event at the 58th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Pointing out the challenges that women continue to face, she highlighted Hong Kong’s progress and commitment to pushing gender equality.

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As of last October, women held 20.8 percent of board seats in Hong Kong-listed companies, up from 16 percent in 2022, according to Lam. This increase is partly due to a regulation mandated by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing in 2021 which requires all listed firms to appoint at least one female board member.

Though regulatory mandates are driving changes, true gender equity “requires a cultural shift”, as systemic cultural obstacles persist in Hong Kong, such as workplace biases that are often tied to family roles and hinder women’s career progression, Lam said.

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“It necessitates a societal transformation, challenging outdated norms, promoting shared family responsibilities, and cultivating workplaces that value competence over gender,” she said.

She also called for global action on women’s empowerment through sharing best practices and collaborating on strategies, such as advocating for initiatives like leadership training, gender pay audits, and digital education platforms.

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“Together, let’s forge a world where every woman is empowered to realize her full potential, transforming equality from an aspiration into a lived reality,” Lam added.