Distinguished local and international women will discuss the opportunities and challenges facing women at present at the first annual Women of Influence Conference and Awards, which is to be held here on Nov. 7.

The conference will be co-hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and the International Women's Forum.

"Women in Asia have to contend with numerous issues to advance professionally," said Paula DeLisle, ex-officio governor of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and co-chair of the Women of Influence Conference and Awards planning committee, at a press conference here Monday.

"A significant gender gap still exists, especially in terms of earning power and the percentage of women in top management. To correct the imbalance, women must mentor other women and work with the public and private sectors to promote parity."

Kicking off the conference, titled "Today's Challenges - Tomorrow's Goals", Kathleen B. Cooper, under secretary for economic affairs of the Department of Commerce of the United States, will speak about women in the global work force

A panel discussion follows on driving organizational excellence with several of Hong Kong's leading women including Betty Yuen, managing director of China Light and Power and Betty Choi, vice president and counsel for Hong Kong Disneyland Management.

IBM Japan's Yukako Uchinaga, who last year was named one of the world's most powerful women in business by Fortune magazine, will speak about what it takes for women to succeed in the world of high tech.

Anson Chan, the former chief secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, will present the keynote address at the conference, reflecting on her experiences in government.

A highlight of this year's conference will be the Women of Influence Awards. Honoring three Hong Kong women for professional achievement and one corporation for enlightened management, the awards aim to recognize and encourage career excellence.

"The personal achievement awards hopefully will become a source of inspiration and motivation for women to reach the top of their professions," said Beverly L.W. Sunn, co-chair of the Women of Influence planning committee. "The Best Company for Women award, in turn, will hopefully serve as an example for other Hong Kong organizations on achieving gender equality in the workplace."

The International Women's Forum is the world's preeminent organization for women leaders. Founded in 1982 in the United States, its purpose is to foster association and communication among women leaders in diverse professions and to provide a network of support.

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