Mother-of-two Ding Ding*, 30, wishes she could live a life just like so many other young women her age, instead of having her entire world revolve around her family.
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She gave up her job as a salesperson in her early twenties after giving birth to her son and daughter, now aged six and seven.
Ding Ding tried to get work as a supermarket cashier several years ago to help ease the financial burden on her husband, but was forced to leave the job just a few months after other family members could no longer offer childcare support.
“I can only rely on myself to raise the kids and wait for them to grow up. I do not expect help from others,” she said.
Childcare support has remained a steadfast demand of many mothers in Hong Kong, at a time when authorities are looking for ways to address the city’s labour shortage.
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The latest government projections forecast that the shortage is set to worsen and reach a shortfall of about 180,000 workers by 2028.