Joanna Li  and Dr Yeung Ka-ching have been appointed to the Women's Commission for a three-year term while  incumbent member Ophelia Cheung has been re-appointed for two years.

The appointments, which will take effect from January 15, 2005, have been published in the gazette today.

Coming from different backgrounds, the new and re-appointed members possess profound knowledge and extensive experience from their professions, including legal, academic and public relations, and will strengthen the work of the commission.

"Under the leadership of Sophie Leung, the Women's Commission has laid a solid foundation over the past four years," Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow said.

"With the contribution of the new and re-appointed members, the Women's Commission will continue to play a catalytic role in championing women's interests and mobilising various sectors for the development and advancement of women."

Dr Chow also expressed gratitude to the two outgoing members, Cordelia Chung and Maurice Lee, for their valuable contribution to the work of the Women's Commission.

The Women's Commission was set up on January 15, 2001 with 18 non-official members and four ex-officio members. It advises the Government on the integration of policies and initiatives that are of concern to women.

The following is the full membership list of the Women's Commission with effect from January 15, 2005:

Non-official Members

* Sophie Leung (Chairperson);

* Chau Chuen-heung;

* Eva Cheng;

* Ophelia Cheung;

* Prof Fanny Cheung;

* Dr Susan Fan;

* Andy Ho;

* Sophia Kao;

* Ko Po-ling;

* Dr Joseph Kwok;

* Peggy Lam;

* Joanna Li;

* Dr Judith Mackay;

* Ng Sui-kou;

* Diane Wilcoxson;

* Margaret Wong;

* Dr Yeung Ka-ching;

* Dr Agnes Yeung;

Ex-officio Members

* Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food or representative (Vice-Chairperson);

* Secretary for Education & Manpower or representative;

* Secretary for Home Affairs or representative; and

* Director of Social Welfare or representative.