Chief Executive John Lee and his wife Janet Lee today officiated at a reception hosted by the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau and the Women’s Commission in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026.

Citing the remarks made by President Xi Jinping at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing in 2025, Mr Lee stated that women play an important role in creating, promoting and carrying forward human civilisation, and the international community has a shared responsibility to advance the cause of women.

With the nation’s support and a widening global vision, women in Hong Kong have been able to pursue their dreams and realise their full potential, Mr Lee added, emphasising that women’s talent and determination are essential to the city’s continuing success.

Recognising the hard work and contributions of women, he expressed hope that women would continue to illuminate the city with their clarity, inclusivity, resilience, and grace.

Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak, also at the reception, said that the current-term Government attaches great importance to women’s development.

The bureau has been working closely with the Women’s Commission to implement initiatives such as launching the Women Empowerment Fund, establishing the Women Affairs Team and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, organising the Hong Kong Family & Women Development Summit, launching the Family & Women Information Portal, and rolling out the “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme — all aimed at supporting women in balancing both their careers and family.

Miss Mak said: “The bureau will continue to take forward relevant work in response to the four proposals put forward by President Xi Jinping at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing in 2025 to jointly foster an enabling environment, jointly cultivate development momentum, jointly develop governance framework, and jointly promote collaboration between all parties, so as to create more opportunities for the high-quality development of the women’s cause.”

Additionally, the bureau will hold the second Hong Kong Family & Women Development Summit on March 31, with a view to promoting the spirit of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing. The summit will bring together stakeholders from across society to explore ways to advance family and women development in Hong Kong.