Three distinguished members of the Royal Commonwealth Society in Hong Kong (RCS HK) visited UIC on 10th March, 2011 to share their life experience on how to balance their careers with their roles as ordinary females, wives and mothers. The panel was themed "Women, Mothers and Careers" and chaired by UIC Associate Vice-President Dr. Wendy Chan. Dr. Margret CHU, coordinator of this event, introduced that the Royal Commonwealth Societies, for their part, are non-political NGOs that are run privately by volunteers eager to serve the society they inhabit.
Dr. Wendy Chan
Mrs. Joan Campbell, chairman of RCS HK, shared her joy and satisfaction in her role as a ballet teacher and a wife. "I've been leading my students to appreciate the aesthetics of dancing and to enjoy the melody in music." said Mrs. Campbell. "I have no regret to become a ballet teacher because I can witness the improvement of my students everyday." She also added that her success cannot be separated with her family's support. "My husband and I have been dancing together for 30 years." said Mrs. Campbell. "We support, tolerate and take care of each other. Now I'm also the grandma for five grandchildren."
Mrs. Joan Campbell
Mrs. Ophelia c. Macpherson, JP, one of the representatives of RCS HK, stated that Chinese women are lagging behind in protecting their rights when compared with other developed countries like the USA and Norway. "Feminist activity takes time." said Mrs. Macpherson. "It is a slow and long process. Women have to pay extra efforts to fight for their rights." She also made some suggestions for women, including better equipping oneself to increase competitiveness, doing things according to one's principles to be moral and broadening one's horizon to catch more opportunities.
Mrs. Ophelia c. Macpherson, JP
Ms. Hillary King, another member of RCS HK, encouraged the audience to overcome their "shelter rock", something one fears. She believes that every problem has a solution. She also gave some tips for women on how to chase after success. "Despite working hard, you also have to enjoy it in order to hold the passion till the end." She said she made an agreement with herself that she would never say "if only..." She encouraged the audiences to do the same. "You should also use your imagination and creativity to look at things at different angles. Learn to forgive others and yourself. Don't bury yourself in complaint or guilt, When something goes wrong, learn from it and move on."
Ms. Hillary King
Executive Vice-President Prof. Edmund Kwok gave closing remarks and showed his acknowledgement to the panel. "I love my mom and wife not because of how much contribution they've made to my family, but just because of who they are." said Kwok. "Sexual equality is a global issue. University students should look at the world with an open mind and a humble heart, and to contribute to the world as a part of it."
Prof. Edmund Kwok
Reporter: Huang Shanqing
Translation: Huang Wenhan
Photos: Huang Zhixia
Editor: Richard Xu
MPRO
