How do modern women with multiple roles and responsibilities in their daily lives feel about themselves? The latest research conducted by the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), referencing the World Health Organization (WHO) standards and measuring women in Hong Kong against the Well-Being Index, revealed an average score of just one point above the cut-off line, with 40.6% of respondents below par. Notably, younger women are associated with lower levels of well-being than others. Research also found that women juggling multiple roles often feel dissatisfied with workplace conditions and have boundless self-doubt, while strong family relationships and an active social life, on the other hand, are crucial in building their happiness.

The research, conducted between December 2024 and January 2025, interviewed 1,138 adult women. The questionnaire incorporated several widely used scales, including WHO-5 Well-Being Index and Short Form Health Survey, to assess the levels of well-being of Hong Kong women and underlying factors.

The overall score on the Well-Being Index in all age groups was 53, barely ahead of cut-off line of 52. Alarmingly, 40.6% of respondents scored below par, suggesting that they are not feeling blessed. Further breakdown by age groups showed a downturn trend in the scores, as women over 50 years of age had the highest average score, while those under 30 reported the lowest (please refer to table below).

_{*Cut-off score is 52.}

The research also unearthed underlying challenges in various aspects in daily life which hinder women’s well-being. Among them, most respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their working conditions, such as underpayment, long working hours, limited opportunities, and frequent struggles in balancing work and family.

Respondents also felt powerless when it came to self-actualising accomplishments. They lacked achievable and worthy goals, or even an understanding of the meaning of life, which caused self-doubt and internalisation. A higher proportion of women in younger age groups were affected by the above factors. 

Despite the challenges mentioned, most of the respondents were satisfied with family relationships, either with children (90.3%), parents (87.3%), partners (79.8%) and family life in general (89.1%). Most of them also reported having healthy social lives, such as meeting or contacting friends regularly (79.3%) and having friends they could confide in (90.8%). They also showed a strong sense of community engagement (86.7%) and understanding (83.5%). These factors were consistent across all age groups, highlighting the importance of strong family ties and community support in enhancing women’s well-being.

Ms. Woo Yuen Ling, Service Director (Employment Services & YWCA Movement), stated that the research reflected the pivotal role of family values in women’s lives, and their wish to devote the biggest effort to maintaining healthy relationships with spouses and children even when they face difficulties in various situations. However, such “tendency” could intangibly put more burden on women’s shoulders, as they might feel not doing enough, or strive for an unattainable balance, neglecting their own physical and mental needs.

Wu also emphasised the alarming result with regard to young women. It is likely to result from a large gap between their expectations and reality, since they tend to be educated and assuming self-actualisation in different aspects, thus feel more disappointed or devastated when they fail to achieve.

Wu suggested that women should first learn to care for themselves before tending to others, by creating “Me Time” in their daily routines, such as enjoying a good meal, watching videos, or simply taking a nap. Also, exploring new knowledge or hobbies could help women to rejuvenate their curiosity and sense of adventure.

Wu also suggested that society could recognise the contributions devoted by multi-functioned women, such as exploring ways of sharing family responsibilities, promoting family-friendly workplace practices and employee well-being policies. As society embraces more creative and supportive solutions, women may find it easier to achieve balancing and fulfilling lives.

To embrace family values and cherish women’s devotion, YWCA has partnered with two major organisations to bring women and their families quality time and treasurable moments. Activities include:

•    “Little Hands, Big Love” (Sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club): In organizing four aromatherapy workshops with guidance from therapists and assistance from about 80 members of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team, around 80 children will learn massage techniques and express love for their mothers through massage at home. The programme also includes distribution of 3,380 bottles of aromatherapy massage oil to other children via YWCA’s service units. Children can refer to the tutorial video for giving mothers a massage with little hands, together with hand-written thank you cards, sending both aroma and gratitude to their dear mothers. 

•    Disney Magic Moments: Hong Kong Disneyland has donated 1,500 tickets to YWCA beneficiaries, enabling women and their families to enjoy a day at the park and create warm, lasting memories.

Also, for the celebration on upcoming International Women’s Day on March 8, YWCA will also host indoor flea market at YWCA Yau Yat Chuen Centre, featuring carnival games, workshops and live performances to promote better well-being. Volunteers will also deliver handmade coasters and cheer-up cards to spread joy throughout the community. For more details, please visit YWCA’s website (only available in Chinese).