The overall women's participation rate in advisory and statutory bodies reached 27.6% up to April, exceeding the 25% gender benchmark target, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says.

Mr Cheung told lawmakers today in making appointments to these bodies, the Government will consider factors including a candidate's ability, expertise, experience, integrity and commitment to public service, the functions and nature of the board or committee concerned, gender balance and relevant statutory requirements.

The appointing authorities also aim to make such bodies' composition broadly reflect community interests and views and uphold the principle of appointment by merit.

When certain bodies relate to sectors or professions whose practitioners are largely men, or when relevant professional bodies or institutions recommend mainly men candidates, or when members have appointment terms lasting for several years, the appointing authorities can raise the women's participation rate only when making new appointments.

While there is no plan to raise the gender benchmark at present, Mr Cheung said to encourage and promote women's participation in community affairs, the appointing authorities will continue to identify and cultivate more women to participate in the work of advisory and statutory bodies.

He added since 2002, the Government has applied the gender mainstreaming checklist to 30 policy or programme areas which are of relevance to women, and will continue to apply it to more policy areas and promote the gender mainstreaming concept.