Sharing with Ying Wa College Students: the Issue of Female Poverty

On December 15, 2008 , Agnes and I (who are both volunteer speakers for HER Fund) attended a session at Ying Wa Girls’ School to talk about the topic on female poverty. It took some efforts and time to prepare for the twenty-minute talk. While gathering statistics, newspaper clips, case studies and other information, I felt so sorry for the plight of local women in poverty. For example: average wages for women are lower than those for men; the majority of the working-class poverty who earn less than $5000 per month is women; and homemakers who work at home without receiving a salary are often neglected. Although the position of women in Hong Kong has risen, the situation of women at grassroots level is much deprived. For example, working housewives, single mothers, domestic helpers, etc. need the society to provide more resources to help them.
 

         
             Anges was showing the living situation of women

                  
         Agnes and I had a sharing with Ying Wa Girls' School


After preparing the relevant information about female poverty, I’m pleased to share this with the students at Ying Wa Girls’ School in the hopes of bringing important social issues for them to think about. Giving a speech to thousands of girl students made me a little nervous at first, but luckily, their responses were very positive and was well received. They were also quite shocked in learning about the real situation of female poverty exists in Hong Kong . The active participation of the students made me feel that the preparation effort was well worth it. I hope that this talk will be able to stimulate their thoughts, and start the first step to show concern towards women’s issues and poverty problem. At the same time, I hope they can begin understanding the issue and show more respect towards grassroots women.

If your school or company wants HER Fund to come and give a talk or a workshop to discuss the issues and plight of grassroots women with your teachers, students or employees, please call 2794-1100 or email info@herfund.org.hk to contact us.