Hong Kong chief secretary praises women's contributions at business awards gala
Hong Kong's Chief Secretary for Administration addressed the 30th anniversary of the Hong Kong Association of Women in Business and Professions, celebrating award winners and highlighting women's roles in the economy and government.
Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region addressed the 30th anniversary gala of the Hong Kong Association of Women in Business and Professions and the 2026 Outstanding Professional Women and Women Entrepreneurs Awards ceremony on 22 October. He thanked the association for three decades of contributions to professional women and Hong Kong society, and congratulated this year's award winners.
The chief secretary noted that women now hold more than half of professional positions in law and accounting in Hong Kong, and occupy nearly 40 per cent of managerial roles in major enterprises. In the government, seven of 15 policy bureaux are headed by women, and 11 of 18 permanent secretaries are female, demonstrating women's capability and leadership in driving Hong Kong's development.
The chief secretary highlighted the "First Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong" announced by the chief executive last month, which sets directions for economic and social development over the next five years and aligns with the national 15th Five-Year Plan. The plan includes a dedicated section on women's development, aiming to create a supportive environment, protect women's rights, and promote physical and mental health.
The government will continue to use the Women's Self-empowerment Fund, whose annual allocation has increased to HK$30 million, to support women in balancing employment and family responsibilities and realising their potential. The "You" Mentorship Programme, which pairs female university students with women leaders, will be extended for three more years to broaden participants' horizons and prepare them for careers.
Women's development requires joint efforts from the government, business sector, professional bodies, and the broader community, the chief secretary said. He expressed hope that the association will continue to unite professional and business women, foster exchanges and experience-sharing, and help more women seize opportunities arising from national development and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.