Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

The University is committed to equal opportunity in academic pursuits and employment, with zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment. All CUHK members must comply with the University’s Policy Against Sexual Harassment.

In January 2022, the University established the Women Academics Sub-Committee, building upon the achievements of the Task Force on Women and Family-friendly Policies, a group established in May 2014. To promote a work environment responsive to the needs of women and colleagues with family responsibilities, the University provides lactation breaks, maternity leave, paternity leave, and adoption leave to CUHK employees. Nursing rooms on campus and guidelines on facilities for lactating appointees are also in place. UNICEF has recognized CUHK for promoting a breastfeeding-friendly workplace.

To support male staff members in fulfilling their family responsibilities, the University has extended paid paternity leave to seven working days.

CUHK is committed to promoting gender justice and equality through various initiatives. The Gender Research Centre introduced the Justice Scholarship for the second consecutive year to provide financial support for undergraduate and postgraduate students who have demonstrated excellence in producing work related to gender justice. The Gender Studies Programme and the Gender Research Centre co-presented the Wednesday Gender Seminars, featuring distinguished speakers and providing a platform for students and the public to explore issues related to gender and sexuality.

To empower women academics and cultivate future leaders, the Women Academics Sub-Committee hosted the webinar ‘Advancing Women Academics in Leadership’ in May 2022. There were more than 60 attendees, most of whom were CUHK staff and students. The webinar addressed the challenges women academics face in leadership positions and provided strategies for overcoming obstacles to professional advancement and increasing influence in their fields.

CUHK Business School brought back the ‘Dialogue with Women Chief Executives’ in April 2023 and invited women leaders from the financial services industry to join the panel discussion on ‘The Next Generation of Leaders: Turning Adversity into Positivity’. Over 300 teachers, career masters, and secondary school students attended the event. The panellists shared insights on their life journeys and the adversities they encountered in their professional careers, and encouraged students to embrace a positive mindset and learn from their mistakes.