City University's Dr Leung Lai-ching and surgeon Dr Polly Cheung have been appointed to the Women's Commission from January 15, the Labour & Welfare Bureau says.

Dr Leung is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Social Studies, with expertise and research interests in gender studies and domestic violence.

Dr Cheung has been the Hong Kong Cancer Fund's Honorary Adviser since 1995 and founded the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation.

The commission's chairperson Sophia Kao has been re-appointed for three years until January 14, 2012. Under her able leadership, the commission has driven a number of initiatives in promoting gender equality and enhancing collaboration with women's groups and concerned stakeholders.

Seven incumbent members - Dr Miranda Chan, Jacqueline Cheng, Fong Man-ying, Dr Sharmila Gurung, Stella Lau, Lau Ka-shi and Lee Luen-fai - have also been re-appointed.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung thanked outgoing members Ruth Gee, Prof Maria Tam and Prof Grace Tang for their valuable contribution and dedication to the commission's work.