HONG KONG: Gender stereotyping and inequality remain prevalent in Hong Kong, says the Women's Commission (WoC).

The conclusion derives from the results of a survey commissioned by the WoC. More than 1,500 people aged 15 and above were surveyed over the last two months.

About 33 percent of respondents expressed the opinion that they found stereotyping a serious issue in the city. Notwithstanding these views, over half also agreed females should focus more on family than on career. And many thought women shouldn't work in traditionally male occupations like construction worker or airline pilot.

Approximately 87 percent of respondents thought women made their greatest contribution conducting family matters, doing housework and seeing to the education of the children.

"This reflects that the concept that 'women are to take care of the family while men are to work outside' is still deep-rooted in society, leading the majority to believe that women's contribution was confined to the family setting," said WoC chairperson Sophia Kao at a press conference yesterday.

She added that this strangles women's opportunities to develop in society, as reflected by the opinion expressed by 74 percent of female respondents that taking care of children impeded their development.

Women said this labeling effect also influences social life.

"For instance, the respondents would think men should pay for the meal when a couple dines out, and women should not talk about politics but only fashion," Kao said.

Meanwhile, the survey revealed that people aged 35 to 44 are more familiar with gender labeling, as 36.8 percent found the problem serious.

Kao explained that since most people in that age group are working and have their own families, they have more chance to be exposed to gender stereotyping.

In addition, more male than female respondents were satisfied with the gender balance in Hong Kong.

"This may be due to the different life experiences of women and men, such that they (men) may not be aware of the gender stereotyping in their own minds," said Kao.

(HK Edition 03/06/2009 page1)