From helping women going through a crisis to empowering domestic helpers and the LGBTQ+ community, here is how you can extend a helping hand to those in need
Once shamed, womanhood is now something to be celebrated. Fashion, art pieces, books, festivals and international commemorations have become great excuses to show appreciation and respect to the women that preceded us, and those who are still around us.
These special occasions are still necessary today, as being a woman, in Hong Kong or the rest of the world, remains an everyday challenge. Gender-based violence is one of the most systematic and widespread human rights violations, according to UN Women. In Hong Kong, gender-based violence persists, as the city lacks resources to fight domestic violence, sexual assaults, gender-based discrimination, and threats to reproductive rights.
As awareness can be shown through support, here are some Hong Kong-based charities improving the livelihood of women in the city to which you can donate to.
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1. Teen’s Key
Vulnerable women have been further marginalised in the past two years under the city’s social distancing measures. A decline in social interactions, the loss of a sense of community and restricted access to healthcare facilities have exposed new challenges for young women and their sexual health.
Founded by Bowie Lam in 2011, Teen’s Key plays a crucial role in empowering women who are going through a crisis. The charity works with young women from marginalised communities, including those who work in the sex industry, to address their sexual and reproductive health, and to empower them to forge their own future.
Get in touch: info@teenskey.org
Read more: Meet Bowie Lam, an advocate for Hong Kong's sex workers