At that time, maternal health and family planning services were relatively scarce, pregnant employees were unfairly dismissed, and girls were disadvantaged in receiving formal education. Fortunately, we have moved a long way from those days. Women's contribution to the development of Hong Kong in terms of its economic, political and social life has become increasingly significant with the passage of time. These statistics, of course, do not take into account women's considerable contribution to the community through unremunerated work. As regards higher education, female students make up slightly more than half of the first degree graduates of the programmes funded by the University Grants Committee.
Women also make up one-third of our civil service.
In terms of serving the community, at present four of the 13 Executive Council members are women. I hope to see more women participating in all sectors of our community. Such changes are due in no small part, to the joint efforts of the Government, service providers, non-government organizations and pioneer women leaders. For example, to enable women to work, we provide comprehensive childcare services through child care centres and after-school care programmes. The Department of Health has set up a number of Women Health Centres and Maternal and Child Health Centres to attend to women's specific health needs.