Working mothers need more than subsidies, say lawmakers

Two public groups led by lawmakers in Macau have called on the Macau SAR Government to accelerate the implementation of legal protections and policies to support working mothers amid rising financial and psychological pressures.

The Macau Institution of People’s Alliance, led by lawmakers Si Ka Lon, Song Pek Kei, and Lei Leong Wong, highlighted the dual burdens faced by women balancing career and family responsibilities, noting that most families in Macau rely on dual incomes.

According to local media reports, they urged the government to go beyond financial subsidies and enact legislative reforms such as extending maternity leave, introducing lactation breaks, and parental leave policies similar to those in neighboring regions.

Meanwhile, the Collective Wisdom Policy Center, led by lawmakers including Ho Ion Sang, Leong Hung Hai, and Ngan Iek Hang, advocated for legislative amendments and incentives to encourage businesses to adopt policies supporting working mothers.

These calls come amid ongoing government efforts to boost birth rates through childcare subsidies, increased birth allowances, and enhanced childcare services.

The 2025 Policy Address pledged financial support for families with newborns, including a monthly subsidy of MOP1,500 for children under three and higher birth allowances.

However, advocates from these groups and beyond argue that these measures are insufficient without stronger legal frameworks to protect female employees, particularly regarding maternity leave duration and workplace accommodations.

The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has begun subsidizing employers who provide extended maternity leave, signaling progress toward meeting these demands.

This year, the government has also announced plans to increase maternity leave and annual holidays. With consultations ongoing, labor rights are being balanced with the capacities of local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. NS