China News Agency, Hong Kong, March 8 (Reporter Han Xingtong) Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Li Jiachao said at the International Women's Day reception in Hong Kong on the 8th that the contribution of Hong Kong women's participation in social development is very important.

　　It is reported that the 2023 International Women's Day Reception is organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's Home Affairs and Youth Affairs Bureau (MYB) and the Women's Affairs Commission (WoC).

Those present at the reception included WoC members, women's organizations, NGOs and business representatives.

This year's reception features themed panels to review the work done by the SAR Government and the Women's Commission in promoting women's development.

　　Li Jiachao and his wife Li Linlichan presided over the reception.

In his speech, Li Jiachao said that women play a leading role in all walks of life in Hong Kong. Among the 26 key officials of the current SAR government, there are 6 women, accounting for nearly a quarter of the team, the highest proportion in the previous SAR government.

Among the 18 highest-ranking permanent secretaries among civil servants of the SAR government, more than six are women.

Among the non-official members of advisory and statutory organizations appointed by the SAR government, women account for 36%, which is 10 percentage points higher than 20 years ago.

It can be seen that Hong Kong women's participation in social development has made a significant contribution.

　　Li Jiachao also said that promoting women's development has a long way to go.

In the future, the SAR government will continue to work with the Women's Commission to promote women's rights in various ways.

　　Mai Meijuan, director of the Civil Youth Bureau, said at the reception that the SAR government will continue to make more contributions to women's affairs.

The Gerakan Youth Bureau is planning to launch the "Women's Self-improvement Fund" announced by the Chief Executive in his policy address this year.

From 2023/2024, the fund will increase its annual allocation to HK$20 million to support women's development and related work.

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