Women's Foundation Hosts Annual Gala in Hong Kong

• The Women's Foundation organized its annual gala on November 13 in Hong Kong
• The event was held at The Ritz Carlton and was hosted by Jennifer Wannenmacher

• The opening address was given by CEO Fiona Nott, who shared her personal experiences

On November 13, the Women's Foundation held its annual gala at The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong. The evening was hosted by Jennifer Wannenmacher.

The foundation's Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Nott, took opening remarks as she explains the need for community support, and referenced her own context in her life.

Fiona, on encouraged guests to reflect on a story from her life, and she drew from her career and life to illustrate resilience and the encouragement we receive from others. Nott articulated that gender inequality still exists across gender, age cohort, and socio-economic classes.

She also highlighted challenges unique to Hong Kong, such as that one in five families live below the poverty line, and that many women, including elderly women, single mothers and middle-aged women who are more likely to be unemployed, experience innumerable difficulties!

At the gala, the foundation announced an add in underserved women's programming. The new curriculum will provide opportunities to learn new skills around communication, finance, and artificial intelligence but will also support participants in cultivating networks of support.

It also included the personal reflections of several individuals, including Associate Professor Iris Lo from Hong Kong Baptist University and Byron Phillips, partner at Hogan Lovells, who shared letters written to their younger selves.

Students Apple Lo and Nathan Cheng also participated in a discussion about their experiences with The Women's Foundation's programmes.

Nott provided an example of Chapman, who joined the Young Allies program and noted that as a result he was more aware of inequality within his own family, observing his mother working full time without support or help with domestic duties.

He implemented a weekly rota, ensuring work was divided equitably; for Nott, this constituted one of many tiny steps toward cultural change.

Funds raised will go toward supporting the work of The Women's Foundation in research, advocacy, and programs to challenge gender stereotypes, support women in poverty, and advance women in leadership.

Wrapping up, Nott emphasized that together, they can work toward a community where everyone has an equal chance for opportunities and support.