Unraveling the Tapestry: Navigating the Intersection of Gender Advocacy and Political Shifts in Hong Kong

In the realm of progressive politics, the advent of a fresh leader casts a formidable shadow over the horizon – a shadow that had already loomed ominously for feminists in the intricate tapestry of Hong Kong.

Come May 8, Hong Kong anticipates the ascension of a novel figure at its helm: John Lee, a seasoned law enforcement luminary now poised to assume the mantle of the city’s apex authority, unchallenged and espoused solely by the echelons of China’s ruling faction.

The endorsement of Lee, a figure known for his uncompromising stance on security matters, especially in the wake of his stewardship during the extensive crackdowns on the city’s prodigious pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019, signals a trajectory where the paramountcy of national security may continue to eclipse all other considerations in the foreseeable future.

Observers and scholars alike opine that this maneuver is poised to further stifle civil liberties and human rights, exacerbating an already precarious situation, notably within the beleaguered domain of gender advocacy in the city.

“If John Lee embraces the modus operandi of Mainland China in the governance of civil society, it could precipitate a further erosion of the once-vibrant civil fabric of Hong Kong,” contends Diana Fu, an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto. “Under the mainland model, civil society factions advocating for liberal rights, including gender parity, are often viewed as conduits of Western influence.”

“The cultivation of gender consciousness necessitates grassroots initiatives,” asserts Petula Ho, a local scholar entrenched in feminist discourse. “However, it appears that the collective consciousness has resigned itself to apathy on this front.”

The recent epochs have been unkind to the causes of feminism and gender equality in Hong Kong. The turbulence of the pro-democracy upheavals that swept through the city witnessed female demonstrators being subjected to online harassment, giving rise to the #ProtestToo movement – a rare offshoot akin to the #MeToo movement – which galvanized thousands in response to allegations of sexual misconduct perpetrated by law enforcement officers. Notably, a complaint lodged by a teenage protester, accusing officers of gang rape during the demonstrations, was dismissed by the Department of Justice citing “conflicting evidence.”

While the active participation of women in the pro-democracy movement has garnered acclaim, the movement itself has faced censure for its patriarchal undertones. Female government officials, law enforcement personnel, and detractors of the movement have endured sexualized vitriol and threats; frontline female protesters have been lionized as martyrs, a narrative that some feminists decry as it reduces women to mere symbols of sacrifice.

“The populist undercurrents within the pro-democracy movement have engendered a more patriarchal atmosphere, impeding diversity and gender inclusivity,” observes Ho, who has delved into these dynamics and disclosed facing online vitriol for her critiques.

Beijing’s iron-fisted clampdown on Hong Kong has further constricted avenues for advocacy on all fronts, particularly those pertaining to gender issues. Since the enforcement of the national security law in 2020, over 50 civil society organizations, ranging from trade unions to educational bodies, have disbanded. Moreover, more than 180 individuals, including activists and pro-democracy figures championing gender-related causes, have been apprehended since the law’s enactment, as per a tally maintained by ChinaFile magazine.

Following an overhaul of the city’s electoral framework to ensure fealty to the Chinese central authority, pro-Beijing lawmakers now wield disproportionate influence in the legislative domain. The sweeping reforms have seen over 200 district councilors either resign or face disqualification, with many falling prey to arrests on grounds of national security, effectively purging the opposition from the political landscape.

Among those purged are Tiffany Yuen, a former district councilor renowned for her advocacy of women’s rights, and Raymond Chan, Hong Kong’s inaugural openly gay lawmaker, alongside three other LGBTQ+ district councilors.

Kenneth Cheung, one such ousted councilor, democratically elected in 2019 before being ousted by authorities, laments the ramifications of expelling pro-democracy voices on gender advocacy within the government. Cheung notes the displacement of researchers and staffers engaged in gender-related initiatives alongside progressive lawmakers, resulting in a dearth of representation in public fora. The closure of progressive media outlets such as Stand News has further debilitated coverage on these matters, he adds.

“As I peer into the abyss of the next half-decade or so, despondency grips me,” laments Cheung, underscoring the intrinsic link between democracy and progressive causes. “Previously, democratic representatives would champion the causes of marginalized communities or entertain queries. Alas, such vistas seem increasingly remote.”

The political vicissitudes have also impeded the gender activism of Lily Wong, a proponent of sex education and erstwhile member of the now-defunct pro-democracy entity, Demosisto. In 2020, Wong co-founded a YouTube channel, “Faan Hou ABC,” delving into sex-related discourse alongside Yuen and fellow activist Ho Ka-yau.

The channel initially gained traction for its pro-democracy stance but gradually expanded its audience by juxtaposing issues of sex and gender with democratic ideals and liberal values.

“While the 2019 protests witnessed a greater inclusion of women on the frontlines, a significant stride forward,” reflects Wong, “the movement, despite its imperfections, did catalyze shifts in societal attitudes towards women. Despite gender concerns being relegated to a secondary status, incremental progress was discernible.”

However, when Yuen faced charges of purportedly contravening national security laws last year, the trio opted to shutter the channel. “Moving forward, I envisage a more cautious approach towards political engagement,” prognosticates Wong.

CNN broached the subjects of dwindling civil society space, Carrie Lam’s track record on gender-centric initiatives, and allegations of police malfeasance with the government.

“The allegations are unfounded,” retorts a government spokesperson, asserting that the rights of Hong Kong denizens are enshrined in law. Nevertheless, the spokesperson concedes that certain freedoms and rights may be curtailed in the interest of national security and public safety, albeit within legal bounds.