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Hong Kong women’s pursuit of career goals more important than ever amid coronavirus

  • Eureka Chu’s parents wanted her to be a banker, but she went against their wishes and joined a field – architecture – populated mostly by men
  • Carmen Ng opted to become a litigator instead of a corporate lawyer, so she could seek justice for her clients and help them resolve legal problems

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Eureka Chu, an architect at Ronald Lu & Partners, at the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Photo: Edmond So

As the coronavirus outbreak continues into its sixth month in Hong Kong, upending work and home lives, the pursuit of career goals has become even more challenging for women.

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But fulfilling work aspirations is also more important than ever because it allows women to widen their network exposure, achieve financial independence and improve their perception of self-worth, said Si-si Liu, director of the Hong Kong Federation of Women’s Centres.

Moreover, achievements at work can ease the anxiety arising from a heavier burden of domestic chores, including childcare, which are often seen to be of lesser value because they do not bring income to the family, Liu said.

Eureka Chu Lai-nga and Carmen Ng are examples of women who are determined to chase their career dreams, recognising the importance of seeking career-advancement opportunities even in the difficult coronavirus environment.
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Chu’s ambition lies in architecture, despite the industry being under-represented by women in leadership roles, and even though it meant going against her parents’ wishes for her to study commerce and get a job in banking.

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