Hong Kong, December 17, 2021- The Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) hosted “Say Yes to Breastfeeding – Acknowledgement Ceremony” today to acknowledge corporations and organizations for supporting breastfeeding in Hong Kong.

Officiating Guests including Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee, Secretary for Food and Health, Mr. Ricky Chu Man-Kin, Chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission (EoC), Dr. Lo Yim Chong, Vice-chairperson of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association, Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, Dr. Ko Wing Man and Dr. Barbara Lam, Council Members of UNICEF HK attended the ceremony today.

Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee, Secretary for Food and Health stated, “UNICEF HK has been initiating and promoting breastfeeding for many years. 

In accordance with the Breastfeeding Survey 2021, sustaining breastfeeding, in particular exclusive breastfeeding, has faced multiple challenges due to the pandemic. I wish the general public can continue to provide positive influence and support to breastfeeding mothers.”

Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK stated, “UNICEF HK has recently launched a new strategy in promoting ‘Say Yes to Breastfeeding’ – to work closely with chambers of commerce, welfare institutions and business associations to further promote breastfeeding to over 3,000 corporate members and 20,000 professionals.  I am expecting the new strategy will further our advocacy with the local community and build a much stronger and more sophisticated breastfeeding environment in Hong Kong.”

Mr. Ricky Chu Man-Kin, Chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission (EoC) said, “the amendment to the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (“SDO”) in June this year to prohibit breastfeeding discrimination and provide legal protection marked an important milestone.” 

Dr. Ko Wing Man, Council Member of UNICEF HK stated, “raising a child is not only a family and mother’s responsibility but also a shared responsibility of the community. I wish the community can lend more support to breastfeeding mothers.”

At the ceremony, UNICEF HK officially launched its new ‘Say Yes to Breastfeeding’ website (sayyestobreastfeeding.hk), a convenient instrument for mothers to search for useful information and facilities most nearby among the 400+ public breastfeeding friendly locations.  UNICEF HK also acknowledged corporations and organizations for supporting breastfeeding in the local community. 

‘Say Yes to Breastfeeding’ is a community supported campaign initiated by the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF, in collaboration with the Food and Heath Bureau and Department of Health.  We aim to educate the public on mothers’ needs for support in the community in order to sustain breastfeeding; cultivate a positive public attitude towards breastfeeding in the workplace and premises; and to provide mothers with better community support for sustaining breastfeeding.

Appendix Table 1:

List of recognized companies/organizations (in no particular order)

Most Responsive Partners

Most Intensive Contributors

Most Loyal Patrons

Appendix Table 2:
List of corporates newly pledged as breastfeeding friendly premises or workplaces (in no particular order)