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    #Hashtag Hong Kong

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    GIST

    Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15

    Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.

    (Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)



    最新

    LATEST
    24/03/2024
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    Erica Lee, Director, The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association

    Hello, I am Erica Lee, the director of the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association, and thank you for tuning in today. It is truly a pleasure to have the opportunity to share with you on this significant occasion—World Down Syndrome Day 2024 on 21st March.

     

    As we gather here to celebrate WDSD, it is essential to reflect on the journey of individuals with Down syndrome and the challenges they face in our society today. Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by the triplication of the 21st chromosome, presents a variety of abilities and challenges for those affected. Despite significant progress in raising awareness and promoting inclusion, people with Down syndrome continue to encounter barriers to full participation in society.

     

    Here in Hong Kong, based on the latest figures searched by the Hospital Authority, it is estimated that there are 2,900 – 3,000 persons with Down Syndrome in Hong Kong, by the end of 2021. In the case of the HKDSA serves around 1,000 members between 7 months to 63 years old. Only a few of the adult members are openly employed; the rest either work in sheltered workshops, are unemployed, or receive other kinds of day services. 

     

    The community has often underestimated the needs of minorities. In reality, not only do people with Down syndrome need support, but their families and caregivers also require help. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower and uplift those affected by Down syndrome through integrated family support and vocational rehabilitation services, and comprehensive support networks from prenatal to newborn support.

     

    However, despite our commitment, the road ahead remains challenging. One of the most pressing issues faced by individuals with Down syndrome is limited job opportunities. Given their potential and willingness to contribute, many still face discrimination in the workplace, often from their colleagues rather than their employers, to our surprise. Many people with Down syndrome struggle to find long-term employment opportunities that match their abilities. This disparity not only affects their financial independence but also their sense of dignity and self-confidence.

     

    On the other hand, people with Down syndrome now live to the age of 60 or even 70s, which means that their parents are more often elderly causing the phenomenon of “Elderly doubletons families”. Although they have a longer life expectancy, it is common for them to experience “early ageing” starting at the age of early 30s, meaning that they experience certain conditions that are common to typically ageing adults, in the area of medical, physical and functionally. Early and doubled ageing will bring unexpected challenges for which adults with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers may not feel adequately prepared.

     

     

     

    Now, you may wonder whether the resources allocated to support people with Down syndrome are adequate. The reality is that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Greater support in childhood education, healthcare, and social services is needed to ensure that people with Down syndrome have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Additionally, specialized teaching techniques and professionals must be trained to address the learning difficulties faced by individuals with Down syndrome, yet this remains a challenge due to limited resources in Hong Kong.

     

    As we continue to advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome, you may ask how we can make Hong Kong a better place for them. It starts with fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance. We must challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Down syndrome, promoting a society where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is valued for their unique contributions.

     

    Advocating for policies and initiatives that promote equal opportunities is crucial. This includes efforts to increase employment opportunities, improve healthcare services, and enhance educational support for children and adults with Down syndrome. Most importantly, we must listen to their voices and involve them in decision-making processes that affect their lives. They need our support to build an inclusive and equal society for all, accepting who they are and welcoming them as part of the community.

     

    End The Stereotypes - the theme of World Down Syndrome Day 2024, let us recommit ourselves to building a world where people with Down syndrome can live their lives to the fullest, free from discrimination and stereotypes. Regardless of ability, everyone has an opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential because everyone is unique and should be respected for who they are. I dedicate the song 'This is Me' (by Keala Settle) to all of you.

     

    Thank you for your attention and support.

     

    24/03/2024 - 足本 Full (HKT 08:15 - 08:30)

    24/03/2024 - Erica Lee, Director, The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association

    重温

    CATCHUP
    01 - 03
    2024
    香港电台第三台

    24/03/2024

    Erica Lee, Director, The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association

    17/03/2024

    Christina Lee, Director of Wofoo Social Enterprises

    10/03/2024

    Joe Lo, Convenor of The Long Term Tobacco Policy Concern Group

    03/03/2024

    Fiona Nott, CEO of The Women's Foundation

    25/02/2024

    Innocent Mutanga, Founder and CEO of Africa Center Hong Kong

    18/02/2024

    Professor Edwin Ho, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) researcher in the School of Life Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

    04/02/2024

    Bobo Choy, the curator of Kong Temporary Archive

    28/01/2024

    21/01/2024

    Dr. William Yu, Chief Executive Officer of World Green Organisation
    X

    Joyce Fung, co-founder of Free Periods Hong Kong

    Period poverty is a social issue that is gaining increasing attention worldwide, but not something new. Generally, “period poverty” refers to the phenomenon where someone is lacking access to menstrual products, safe and hygienic spaces to handle periods, and the fundamental right to manage their menstruation with dignity without unnecessary shame and taboo.

    One might doubt whether period poverty actually exists in a highly modernised city like Hong Kong, and indeed it is a question we are always asked. Surely, period poverty here may not be as extreme as some other places, but there are plenty of aspects we are lagging behind. At Free Periods Hong Kong, we define period poverty as a threefold issue: a lack of sufficient and quality products and a lack of knowledge or misconceptions about menstruation caused by the shaming of period and a society that is not period-friendly.

    According to our estimation, the basic cost of one cycle’s worth of period product is equivalent to one pack of 5kg rice, which is around $60-70. Imagine a grassroots family with more than one person who menstruates, or with the need to use more expensive products due to various reasons, for example a heavier flow or skin allergy? A survey we have conducted shows that a striking 42% of respondents have tried saving money by not changing menstrual pads even when it is fully soaked or have been used for more than 4 hours. 27% of respondents would cut expenses on menstrual products for other expenses, mostly for food and childcare. We have heard the story of a secondary school girl in Hong Kong who said she would use each pad for at least 8 hours, and would cover the pads with toilet paper so that she doesn’t have to spend so much on pads. Stories like this are happening every day. Low-income women in Hong Kong are pressured financially to restrict their use or choice of menstrual products, or even skipping school because there’s insufficient products to prevent leakage in public. These all lead to mental stress and health threats, and hindrance to long-term personal development.


     


    Aside from financial poverty, many in Hong Kong are affected by menstrual stigma, sometimes unknowingly. Many small things in daily life such as incomplete menstrual education, mainstream view of period blood as dirty and unlucky, and the association of menstruation with temper tantrum all contribute in making menstruation an unpleasant part of life. With the conventional belief of menstruation being unpleasant and not to be spoken of, it is essentially creating an environment where menstrual needs are dismissed rather than assisted. Worse, these often cause people to neglect the bodily signs of extreme pain or severe mood swings because they are dismissed as PMS, while there could be underlying health issues. This unspoken culture of menstruation is precisely why it is difficult for people to seek help on period-related issues in the workplace, schools, and medical settings. Menstrual leave is almost unheard of, very few employers offer access to menstrual products in the workplace. There are doctors who tell patients that their pain is “normal”, that it is just dysmenorrhea, that “pain is subjective”. Too often, we are told that menstruation is “your own problem”, not society’s problem, but people never choose to menstruate. It is an issue of basic human rights and dignity.

    One of the more sustainable solutions is to create a comprehensive menstrual education kit that addresses menstruation positively and informatively. Currently, many of these are done as disguised product promotions, and often only provided for girls. However, menstrual education should be provided to everyone regardless of gender if we want to curate a world that is equipped with knowledge and understanding, both the foundation that can help dispel the lurking shaming and stigma of menstruation. In such, society can hopefully address the issue as they are and treat period poverty seriously, where the mental and physical aspect can be alleviated and the financial hardship can be acknowledged.

    Every 28 May, the Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness of menstrual hygiene and period poverty. This May, we are delighted to have joint hands with our lead sponsor Hactl and co-organiser Onebite to organise the Be My Buddy Buddy Exhibition. The 4-day event will kickstart on 25 May. We will provide lively and interesting menstrual knowledge and multiple perspectives for you to understand menstruation, so you will no longer feel embarrassed discussing the issue. In addition to the exhibition, we have organised multiple talks and activities related to menstruation, allowing everyone, regardless or sex and gender, to gain a deeper understanding of the issue. Come and join us as a period pal and work together for menstrual equity!

    香港电台第三台

    28/05/2023 - 足本 Full (HKT 08:15 - 08:30)

    28/05/2023 - Joyce Fung, co-founder of Free Periods Hong Kong