'Women hold up more than half the sky in HK,' says John Lee

Hong Kong's leader John Lee praised women as a "powerful source of energy for social progress," stating that their talent and determination are vital to the city's continued success.

Speaking at the International Women's Day Reception on Sunday, Lee said women were “holding up more than half the sky,” noting they make up 54% of Hong Kong’s population and account for roughly half of the government, legal and accounting workforces, with growing representation in corporate leadership.

He celebrated their wide-ranging contributions, saying women have challenged prejudice, erased barriers and seized opportunities across all sectors of society.

With the nation’s support and a widening global vision, women in Hong Kong have been able to pursue their dreams and realise their full potential, Lee added, emphasising that women’s talent and determination are essential to the city’s continuing success.

He expressed gratitude for the hard work and contributions of women and, drawing on the qualities of four traditional Chinese silk fabrics, expressed his hope that women would continue to illuminate the city with their clarity, inclusivity, resilience, and grace.

Secretary for home and youth affairs Alice Mak, also said the current-term government attaches great importance to women's development. She noted that the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau has been working closely with the Women's Commission to actively implement a range of initiatives.

In recent years, these have included launching the Women Empowerment Fund, establishing the Women Affairs Team and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, organising the Hong Kong Family and Women Development Summit, launching the one-stop Family and Women Information Portal, and rolling out the "She Inspires" Mentorship Programme — all aimed at supporting women from different backgrounds in balancing both their careers and family.

"The HYAB will continue to take forward relevant work in response to the four proposals put forward by president Xi Jinping at the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing in 2025 to jointly foster an enabling environment, jointly cultivate development momentum, jointly develop governance framework, and jointly promote collaboration between all parties, so as to create more opportunities for the high-quality development of the women's cause."

Earlier this year, the government re-appointed Eliza Chan Ching-har as the chairperson of the Women’s Commission, as well as five incumbent members including Ching Ngon-lai, Juanita Mok Uen-ying, So Wing-yee, Adrian Tam Kin and Vivian Tsui Sau-yin.

The commission has also appointed three new members such as Kou Kuen, Anthony Lu Xiaofeng and Helen Meng Mei-ling. Their two-year term took effect from 15 January 2026.

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