International Women's Day 2025: The Hong Kong Spirit from a Woman’s Perspective
Every year on 8 March, International Women’s Day is a powerful tribute to women worldwide. It is a moment not just to celebrate women’s achievements but also to reflect on the ongoing journey towards gender equality and the ever-evolving role of women in society.
Observed by the United Nations, International Women’s Day calls for gender equality on a global scale, and draws attention to the crucial role of women in shaping the future. Year after year, events worldwide advocate for the elimination of gender disparities, and a more inclusive and equitable world.
This year, we had the privilege of sitting down with two outstanding women from Hong Kong - Olympic table tennis medalist Doo Hoi Kem (杜凱琹) and the first female helicopter pilot of the Government Flying Service, Ellen Yan (甄淑賢). Their remarkable journeys highlight women’s courage and perseverance in the pursuit of their true self, serving as beacons of inspiration for all.
Doo Hoi Kem’s Table Tennis Journey: A Passionate Pursuit of Excellence
Doo’s table tennis journey began in childhood, encouraged by her mother to develop a specialty through various activities. Ultimately, she discovered her passion for the sport. “There’s something exhilarating about table tennis,” Doo recalled. At just 15, she made the audacious decision to commit to the sport full-time, embarking on a journey filled with lessons and growth.
Her unwavering dedication bore fruit at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where Doo and her teammates won bronze in the women’s table tennis team event, marking a historic milestone for Hong Kong. “Standing on the podium felt surreal - a dream turned reality. Winning Hong Kong’s first Olympic medal in women’s table tennis carried immense significance, not just for me, but also for our city,” she shared. Beyond a well-earned recognition to years of hard work, this ignited belief and confidence in the next generation of athletes.
Resilience in the Face of Injuries
After the Tokyo Olympics, Doo suffered from dystonia in her elbow due to the intense training and competition, making every stroke painful. As she prepared for the Paris Olympics, the weight of stress and pain nearly drove her to consider retirement. It was the wisdom of her senior teammate, Zhang Rui (張瑞), that reignited her fighting spirit. “Let go of the fear of winning or losing – just play for the love of the game,” Zhang advised. This shift in mindset rekindled Doo’s passion. “I persevered because I love this sport. Every challenge conquered is a stepping stone for growth,” Doo reflected. With determination, she battled through her injury to claim bronze in both the women’s singles and team events at the 2024 Asian Table Tennis Championships. Seeing this as a blessing, the triumph boosted her confidence and determination to move forward. It also motivated her teammates, especially the younger players, to succeed.
A Mother’s Love and Sacrifice Behind the Dream
“My mother’s wholehearted dedication and resilience inspired me to chase my dreams,” Doo expressed with heartfelt gratitude. During her childhood, her father’s frequent work commitments left her mother shouldering the weight of the family’s responsibilities. Despite financial pressures, her mother ensured that Doo and her brother had diverse learning opportunities and enriching experiences. For Doo, her mother is not only the family’s pillar but also her greatest role model.
As a successful female athlete, Doo pointed out the importance of confidence and perseverance. “Never let societal expectations dictate who we are - we can carve out our paths,” she said. Her advice to young women? Dare to dream boldly, embrace every challenge, and trust in the power of perseverance.
Ellen Yan’s Aviation Dream: Breaking Gender Stereotypes
In the 1990s, Ellen Yan defied convention, trading a stable career as a laboratory technician for the skies. She joined the then all-male Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force (now the Government Flying Service), breaking barriers as the city’s first female helicopter pilot. “Back then the society had rigid expectations of women, but my mother’s unwavering support gave me the courage to pursue my dream,” she recalled.
The journey was far from easy. “The Government Flying Service operates 24/7. We worked in shifts, responding to emergency missions at any hour,” she explained. She sacrificed family time for her profession, but is grateful for the understanding and support from her husband and daughter. “My family recognised the significance of my work while I was serving the public. Their support enabled me to dedicate myself fully to my duties.”
Witnessing Societal Progress
Now serving as a flight instructor and examiner for the Government Flying Service, Yan has witnessed a remarkable shift over the years. “Today, female trainees make up about one-third of our flight training programme, something unimaginable in the past,” she observed. She believes both men and women deserve the freedom and opportunity to pursue their aspirations, and sees women breaking into traditionally male-dominated fields a powerful sign of societal progress.
Yan hopes her journey inspires more women to take flight to their dreams. “I want my daughter to have the freedom to pursue a career she truly loves. Whatever path she chooses, I will support her wholeheartedly - just as my mother did for me.” Her story is one of fearless ambition, breaking barriers, and proving that passion knows no gender.
Conclusion
Whether it is Doo’s unwavering determination on the table tennis court or Yan’s fearless pursuit in breaking gender norms, both of them have shown the boundless potential of women. Their journeys serve as powerful reminders that gender should never be a barrier to success.
On this International Women’s Day, let us honour the triumphs of women, champion gender equality, and empower the next generation of women to chase their dreams without fear. As we celebrate this day, may we all - regardless of gender - find the courage to forge our own paths and illuminate the world with our aspirations.