Unlike many other developed countries, Hong Kong does not track the media portrayal of women and men. A study by the Equal Opportunities Commission (2009) suggested that the image of females presented in the local print media was generally negative, with the portrayal of female artists even being sexualised. Women were also usually portrayed as staying at home (Furnham & Chan, 2003), while men were more likely to be depicted as working professionals (Moon & Chan, 2006).
Studies of gender portrayals in Hong Kong news media have been rare. One study conducted in 2004 found that female officials were depicted in a highly positive light in Hong Kong newspapers. Female leaders were assessed on whether they mixed masculine and feminine traits, that is, whether they were equally successful at work and as mothers and wives (Lee, 2004).
Respondents accepted the importance of gender equality but denied that it is a serious problem. Some appeared not to be particularly aware of gender inequality when reporting news, while only one news media organisation was reported as working consciously on promoting gender equality. An interviewee explained, “I don’t see gender inequality as a big problem in Hong Kong, and we rarely pay attention to it”.
