Seizing the Moment for Advocacy and Change

“My passion for making a change is one of the key motivators for me to join the conference,” says Amy Lam, who has been nominated to attend the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women’s parallel event held in Hong Kong. She is a year 5 student studying the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in Language Education (English).  

Amy has been an active participant in activities and events organised by HKU, embracing the opportunities to be part of programmes that can broaden her horizon outside of the classroom. 

“In the UNCSW68 virtual Hong Kong conference, e explored a wide range of topics that allowed us to understand more about women’s rights in Hong Kong, such as government policies as well as NGO measures. I really enjoyed the discussions with my peers and other participants, where we got to understand each other’s perspectives and worked together to find the best solutions to tackle the issues at hand,” she explains. “Our discussions offered a wealth of insights for us on how to drive changes and make a positive impact in the world. It was a really valuable opportunity for me to learn and inspire others with my voice and actions.” 

Now in the final year of her double degree in Arts and English Education, Amy has also joined the University Scholars Leadership Symposium among other events and conferences.   

“HKU provides me with opportunities for both local and international exposure that enable me to take an open-mind approach to new experiences. I’m able to gain insights and be inspired by people from diverse backgrounds. Through these exposures I’m able to travel beyond Hong Kong and explore the world. They have also granted me the chance to understand and see for myself what other countries are doing about gender equality.”   

These experiences and the people she encountered along the way—including professors and lecturers at HKU that have inspired students through their personal stories—have only strengthened Amy’s desire to advocate for women’s rights. “I remember talking to a girl in Africa during one of my international trips where I’ve been nominated to go by HKU. At that time, she shared with me what it’s like to be a girl in Africa,” Amy recounts. “I remember feeling very touched and thankful that I was born in Hong Kong, because here we have equal access to education. I’m grateful for the 12 years of free education that really empowered us, so women can be more knowledgeable and financially independent. Education is one of the ways that can change our lives.”   

In order to make a positive impact and continue advocating for her cause, Amy emphasises the importance of being more observant of other people’s needs and assess situations with a more analytical lens so one can lend a helping hand where possible.  

“But most importantly, we need to believe in ourselves that we actually have the power to make a change. Do not underestimate your potential and seize every opportunity. Small steps can make a big difference.”