As we transition into the post-pandemic era, the world confronts fresh challenges and heightened competition for talent across various industries. Hong Kong, in order to uphold its competitiveness, must place a paramount focus on showcasing its diversity and innovation. It’s imperative to recognize the pivotal role that gender equality plays in achieving these objectives. In light of this imperative, The Women’s Foundation (TWF) has launched its #BreakZeroSum video campaign today. This campaign underscores the advantages of gender equality in societal development and seeks to dispel common misconceptions surrounding gender equality that permeate our daily lives.
Gender inequality remains a pressing issue in Hong Kong. According to the Quarterly Report on General Household Survey, Second Quarter 2023 by the Census and Statistics Department:
– The female workforce participation rate stands at only 48%, in contrast to the 64% participation rate among men (excluding foreign domestic helpers).
– The gender pay gap stands at 15% (excluding foreign domestic helpers), with women earning just HK$8.5 for every HK$10 earned by their male counterparts.
– Among economically inactive women, 34% cite household duties as the reason, a staggering 10 times higher than the 3% reported by men.
To address these disparities, Hong Kong must prioritize elevating the female workforce participation rate. When compared to neighboring regions like Singapore, which achieved a female employment participation rate of 63% in 2022, Hong Kong consistently lags behind. This situation not only hinders women’s advancement but also detrimentally affects Hong Kong’s overall development. TWF is advocating for change and has launched the #BreakZeroSum video campaign to drive this change forward.
The video vividly portrays a heated conversation between a man and a woman, both seated at opposite ends of a see-saw. This powerful visual metaphor illustrates the misconceptions that often surround the promotion of gender equality. It also underscores a fundamental truth: gender equality is not about one gender triumphing at the expense of another; it benefits everyone.
Research cited in the video reveals that companies that prioritize gender equality tend to achieve significantly better business outcomes, including a 60% increase in areas such as profitability, productivity, and talent attraction and retention. Furthermore, equal sharing of household chores and childcare responsibilities contributes to happier marriages. On a macro scale, closing the gender gap could potentially inject US$12 trillion into the global economy, creating a win-win scenario where everyone benefits from a more equitable world.
As an international and multicultural city, Hong Kong’s competitiveness and progress are intricately linked with gender equality. The promotion of gender equality and heightened awareness of its importance are vital for ensuring Hong Kong’s sustainable future.
TWF encourages the public to share the video on social media, spreading the message that “Gender equality is a win-win, not a zero-sum game.” TWF also calls upon everyone to become advocates and take concrete actions to advance gender equality, fostering a more equitable, content, and prosperous Hong Kong together.
About The Women’s Foundation
The Women’s Foundation is a registered not-for-profit organization based in Hong Kong, dedicated to enhancing the lives of women and girls in the region. TWF focuses on challenging gender stereotypes, increasing the representation of women in decision-making and leadership roles, and empowering women in poverty through pioneering research, innovative community programs, education, and advocacy.
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