簡介
Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15
Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.
(Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)
最新
Jenmon Jenkins, Community Director - the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hong Kong
For over 104 years, the SPCA has stood as the largest and oldest animal welfare organisation in Hong Kong. Every single day, we dedicate ourselves to ending animal cruelty, alleviating suffering, and protecting the health and well-being of all creatures—both wild and companion animals, whether they have homes or not.
Though Hong Kong is small, its bustling population means that countless animals live among us. The last census in 2019 estimated over 400,000 pets, but more recent studies from 2023 reveal a staggering surge to over a million. These million souls are voiceless in our society, and at the SPCA, we passionately advocate for their welfare. But there are concerning trends that we must address together.
Did you know that our animal legislation dates back to 1935? It’s time for a crucial update from the Legislative Council so we can adequately protect these vulnerable animals from abuse and neglect. We need stronger laws, like updates to the Duty of Care legislation, to empower law enforcement to prosecute those who mistreat our furry friends.
This is why we tirelessly promote responsible pet ownership. Caring for a pet is a lifelong commitment. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a troubling rise in pet abandonment—especially among cats. In 2024 alone, we’ve witnessed an alarming 11% increase, with some days seeing up to 14 cats left behind, often entire families abandoned at streets or refuse centers.
Too often, owners fall prey to unscrupulous breeders who care more about profit than the well-being of animals. Many pets come to us sick, sometimes with severe health issues that their new owners are unprepared to manage. This leads to heart-wrenching abandonment, further straining our resources as we care for these vulnerable creatures.
Despite our new 93,000 sq ft center in Tsing Yi, we often find ourselves at full capacity, caring for sick animals whose recovery takes time. Every adoption creates an opportunity for another animal in need, and with over 400 animals currently in our care, your choice to adopt can save lives.
We encourage you to “Adopt, Don’t Shop.” Our four adoption centers are open every day, with no appointment necessary. Last year, we even launched an app that lets you swipe to find your future furry companion—just like a dating app!
As a proud mongrel owner, I can personally attest to the immense joy and well-being pets can bring into our lives. Yet, we recognise that pet ownership can be challenging in a bustling city like Hong Kong. While we celebrate the growth of pet-inclusive spaces and parks to over 200, we know there’s much more to be done.
That’s why we’re committed to educating everyone on the importance of pet inclusivity. We’ve trained staff at banks and shopping malls to welcome our furry friends and even hosted dog-friendly movie screenings. We aim to foster understanding and respect between pet owners and non-pet owners, emphasizing safety and hygiene.
Our workshops, like those on socializing city dogs, help ensure that everyone can enjoy public spaces harmoniously. We’ve also launched initiatives like “Bring Your Dog to Work,” encouraging companies to embrace the presence of pets in the workplace. The benefits for mental wellness and collaboration are profound, and we’re excited to help more organizations adopt these policies.
We’re also making strides with transportation providers to allow pets on public transport, with exciting developments like affordable pet tours launched by KMB in 2024. Stay tuned for more good news in 2025!
It’s important to note that we only receive 1% of our funding from the government. We rely heavily on the generosity of public donations and the revenue from our veterinary services to support our mission. Imagine caring for over 400 animals every day—your support truly makes a difference. You can support us by participating in our events, using our veterinary services, purchasing from our online and offline retail store or donating to us help make an impact in animal welfare.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all our donors and volunteers who help us improve the welfare of our rescue animals. I look forward to meeting more prospective adopters and passionate pet owners in 2025. Together, let’s ensure that all animals are treated with the compassion and respect they so richly deserve.
重溫
Fiona Nott, CEO of The Women's Foundation
Dear Hong Kong Community,
When I spoke with you all two years ago, we were facing grim circumstances. COVID had caused separation and devastation, and it was unclear just how far its impact would extend and for how long. But now, thanks to the collective efforts and sustained hope of each and every one of you, we are looking out to new, brighter horizons.
Hong Kong aspires to take its place as a cultural powerhouse on a global stage – and there’s so much this city has to offer the rest of the world. However, before we can do so, we must address our rapidly ageing society and economic challenges fuelled by a persistent talent shortage. One way for us to meaningfully address some of these issues is through closing the gender gap.
The benefits of gender equality are clear and long established: Happier families. Better business outcomes. A more robust economy. These benefits help everyone, regardless of gender.
But our city is far from reaping the benefits of gender equality. Only 48% of women are in the workforce, this is lower than many of our neighbours including Singapore, Australia and Japan. Women are 10 times more likely than men to cite household responsibilities as a key reason for not being economic contributors. For every HK$10 earned by a man, women earn just HK$8.5. These are but a few of the numerous gender inequalities that continue to permeate areas such as safety, mental health, poverty, and career advancement, among others.
What is preventing us from closing the gender gap?
A key barrier to progress is zero sum thinking – where individuals believe that promoting the rights and opportunities of one gender will diminish and devalue another. A “you lose, I win” mindset.
We know the zero-sum mindset is prevalent in Hong Kong: 38% of men and 52% of women believe gender equality is a women’s issue and men need to stay out of the way, and 47% of men and 29% of women believe women benefit most from a gender equal society.
We need people of all genders to model inclusive mindsets, to ensure that the full constellation of diverse voices are heard and valued. To ensure there are equitable opportunities, policies, and distribution of resources.
And while government and businesses all play a part in making this happen, none of this change is possible without individual action and buy-in. So how can we each #InspireInclusion this IWD? Here are three ways to start:
1. Learn about the issues. Understand how gender inequality harms people of all genders and what forms this can take. Look at how this issue intersects with, and is complicated by, other identity factors such as race / ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, ability, religion, socio-economic background and more.
2. Talk about it. At work and at home talk about how the zero sum mindset might unintentionally show up. For instance, the misconception that if a male colleague advocates for gender equality at work it may negatively impact their own career or the misbelief that if a woman takes on more responsibilities at work, it will negatively impact the well-being of their family at home. Explore pushback or resistance to the idea that gender equality benefits everyone and share ideas on how best to tackle this.
3. Do the work and be an ally. Commit to listening, learning and acting. Use gender inclusive language. Refrain from phrases, jokes or cultural references that perpetuate stereotypes about any one gender. Actively intervene when you hear someone else perpetuating stereotypes. Help others see the benefits of gender equality.
These are just a few of the many, many actions each of us can take.
I know this is no easy task. Reflecting on our own internalised biases and assumptions and then taking action to address these areas is challenging, ever-evolving work at an individual, organisational and societal level.
As CEO of The Women's Foundation, I know an inclusive, gender equal city is possible. I have seen first-hand the exceptional results that follow when individuals and organisations put in the effort to understand how gender inequality harms people of all genders, determine where they might be perpetuating biases and take initiative to change.
Our Mentoring Programme and Male Allies communities are inclusively leading in their companies and in our community; our Young Allies are influencing the next generation of gender equality advocates; and our Girls Go Tech Programme participants are not just ensuring future STEM fields are more gender equal, they will be working to solve some of the most challenging issues of our time.
The work of each of us – as individuals, organisations, communities – matters. And when our efforts are combined, the results are transformational.
Join us to #InspireInclusion this International Women's Day and take steps for a gender equal future through your words and actions.
I'd like to dedicate this song to the women and girls of Hong Kong – and all gender equality advocates. The song is In debt by a local band Riddem.
