ours, though we do understand that a governor, particularly a one, has certain obligations towards machinery already set in motion.
We do ask you now, however, to consider carefully all that has transpired this month on this subject. You may not be aware of the working party's methods and we should be glad to brief you on how they looked to us who were trying to counter every unethical, undemocratic and misleading move.
As for 'consulting the people' (see the government's wrecking amendment, withdrawn on 16 December): firstly, we understand from you that consulting Legco is consulting the people; and the speeches in Hansard of 16 December and the accompanying agreement without dissent on the extension of CEDAW to Hong Kong should thus be helpful to you in your further consideration of these issues. Secondly, we regard a Green Paper as a further attempt to prevaricate what has the working party been doing for the past 9 months if not consulting? Though, from their report, it What is more, if the
is not clear that they consulted anyone. threatened Green Paper has anything like the limited brief of the working party, it will similarly fail to take overall account of women's concerns. If the Green Paper is to go ahead, in spite of the objections of women's groups, what part are concerned
those who know what the issues are - to play in drafting it or approving it?
women
To conclude, and sum up, we ask you to:
Add to your constitutional proposals a Functional Constituency for household managers.
Take further, and immediately, the Legco vote of 16 December 1992 to extend CEDAW to Hong Kong.
Bearing in mind the in-house Legco vote of 1 May 1991, and persistent calls both before and after that from women's groups and household managers, immediately set up a Women's Commission. It would be in a better position to consult, advise and recommend than has hitherto been possible.
CEDAW for Hong Kong has been 'under consideration' by this government, and the British, since 1986; and on past experience there seems very limited point in responding to a Green Paper. But we should be glad to discuss any of these matters with you.
four Sincerely,
две
pp AWARE (Barbara Clarke, Susanna Hoe, Maria Jaschok, Linda Koo,
рр
Geeta Singh, Tessa Stewart, Cecilia Young)
cc Legislative Council Members
Please reply to 5B/1 Cavendish Heights, Jardine's Lookout; Telephone 890.4577; fax 890.5008.
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