Hong Kong is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China, the other being Macau. It has a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign relations and military defence. Its legal system is completely independent from the legal system of mainland China.
Hong Kong is known for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour, and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The territory has little arable land and few natural resources, so it imports most of its food and raw materials.
Although women have been gaining ground in acquiring higher education, their work is concentrated in education, social welfare and health services and women are not achieving equality in professional and managerial positions.
The implementation of compulsory universal education in 1971 has given rise to an increased number of highly educated women. In general, though, women still appear to have a lower level of educational attainment.
In 1951, five Sisters of the Good Shepherd arrived in Hong Kong to establish Good Shepherd ministries. They came from US, Canada and Ireland. Since then, the Sisters have opened special schools and residential centres in Hong Kong. Pelletier Hall and then Pelletier School were established in 1955; Marycove Centre and Marycove School in 1968; Morning Star Hostel in 1972; Our Lady's Hostel in 1974 and Choi Wan Hostel in 1979.
Residential and non-residential services under the direction of the Good Shepherd Sisters, with the help of lay professionals as board of directors for the social services:
Marycove Centre is a residential service for teen aged girls with family and behavioural challenges. The girls study at Marycove school.
Marycove School is a personal development school for girls with behavioural challenges, from primary 6 to senior high, supervised by a team of school managers - lay professionals and sisters.
Our Lady's Hostel and Choi Wan Hostel are open hostels which provide care and protection to girls without or with little family support. They go out to study or work.