Happy Women's Day: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow and Women's Commission Chairperson Sophia Kao celebrate International Women's Day 2007.

Although women's status has advanced considerably, a sustained effort and commitment from the whole community is needed before gender equality can be fully achieved. This was the message today from Women's Commission Chairperson Sophia Kao.

The commission hosted a cocktail reception to celebrate International Women's Day. Ms Kao said a series of special activities, named Colourful Lives of Women, have been organised to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The activities recognise the contribution of all sectors, in particular women's groups, in empowering women.

"We have also produced a special TV series with the same title to introduce the achievements and contributions of local women's groups and non-government organisations in helping women to build up self-confidence and independence and to have a more colourful life."

On the Capacity Building Mileage Programme, which aimed to remove barriers to women's learning opportunities, Ms Kao said views collected indicated that the participants had developed an interest in learning and acquired more knowledge after joining the programme.

"They became more confident in tackling problems in daily life and their change in mindset had also brought a positive impact to their families and children."