SINGAPORE: More than a decade ago, Ms Olivia Pua left her marriage, taking her five-month-old baby with her.
Her then-husband was not ready to settle down or embrace parenthood, leading to constant arguments and an increasingly unhealthy home environment.
“I wanted to let everyone have a better life by moving forward,” she said. “Even when I was married … I already felt like a single mum. He didn’t put in any responsibilities.”
Since then, Ms Pua has raised her son largely on her own, without alimony, relying on family support while juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet.
The experience reshaped her views on marriage.
“If you cannot get a partner who can share (responsibilities) and add value to your life, then marriage is just a piece of paper,” the 38-year-old told CNA.
Ms Emmeline Low similarly turned away from an unequal partnership.
