8th June 2023 – (Hong Kong) The Women Empowerment Fund was officially launched on 8th June in Hong Kong. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, officiated at the launching ceremony of the Fund.
During the ceremony, Mr Chan highlighted the Government’s commitment to supporting women’s development and empowerment. In the 2022 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced the establishment of the Fund, and the Government has set aside HKD 100 million in this year’s Budget to strengthen support for women’s development. The Fund will subsidise women’s organisations and relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to facilitate women’s development of their own potential and self-enhancement. Additionally, the Fund will help with child care to meet the needs of working women.
Miss Mak encouraged women’s organisations and relevant NGOs to apply for and make good use of the Fund to organise programs conducive to women’s development so as to achieve women empowerment. She stated that the Government will continue to work with members of the community to provide an enabling environment for women.
The Fund aims to empower women, regardless of their age, occupation, or background, to unleash their full potential in their respective roles. The Fund is divided into general projects and thematic projects. The funding cap of each one-year and two-year general project is HK$400,000 and HK$800,000, respectively. For thematic projects this year, namely the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Exchange Programmes, each project shall be completed within one year, and the funding cap is HK$120,000.
The Fund accepts two rounds of applications each year, and the first round of application is now open until 7th July. The Guide to Application and the application form have been uploaded to the thematic website (www.wef.gov.hk). Women’s organisations and NGOs may submit their applications to the Fund.