The 300 guests forming the HeForShe logo at the launch event in Loke Yew Hall.

HKU has become the first university in the world to launch on campus the HeForShe initiative, a United Nations (UN) campaign calling for greater gender equality. To mark this significant milestone, a launch event presided by Head of HeForShe Ms Elizabeth Nyamayaro and HKU President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Mathieson was held in Loke Yew Hall on April 10.

In attendance were guests including Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission Chairman Dr York Chow, University Grants Committee Secretary-General Dr Richard Armour and about 300 university members who support the initiative.

With a goal of spreading awareness of the responsibility that men and boys have in eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, HeForShe is meant to get men actively involved in advocating gender equality.

Delightedly accepting the invitation to be a member of 10x10x10, an impact group created by UN Women comprising 10 Heads of State, 10 CEOs of global corporations and 10 University Presidents, Professor Peter Mathieson not only pledged his commitment to improving gender equality, but also called on all the men in the HKU community to join the rally and make a real difference.

For more about HeForShe initiative, please go to www.heforshe.org