Forum on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Universities

The Women’s Commission (WoC) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) jointly organised on 14 August 2012 a forum on preventing sexual harassment in universities to enhance the university staff and students’ knowledge of sexual harassment on campus and to explore relevant preventive measures.

The forum, consisted of two colloquiums and a plenary sharing session, provided a platform for various stakeholders including representatives of the management members of universities, staff associations, student unions, women’s groups and non-governmental organisations to deliberate on the relationship of sexual harassment and gender equality, so as to arouse public awareness of the issue.

At the two colloquiums, where Deputy Convenor of the Policy and Research Committee of EOC, Dr John Tse, acted as the moderator, the guest speakers gave an account of the current situation of sexual harassment on campus first and then discussed with the audience feasible measures regarding issues such as the implementation of policy of preventing sexual harassment, encourage victims to report the cases, etc. The plenary sharing session, with Member of WoC, Ms Sandy Wong, as the moderator, provided opportunities for all speakers and audience to exchange views on topics related to the theme of the forum.

Guest speakers of the forum included Dean of Student Affairs, The University of Hong Kong, Dr Albert Chau; Member of Women’s Affairs Watch, The Association for the Advancement of Feminism, Mr Chong Yiu-kwong; Associate Professor, Department of Applied Social Studies, The City University of Hong Kong, Dr Leung Lai-ching; and Head of Policy and Research Unit, Equal Opportunities Commission, Dr Ferrick Chu.