Success Factors

Abstract

The factors identified by the women as contributing to their success were first and foremost their own agency: their determination and drive, their hard work and appropriate qualifications. Secondly they talked about support at work, particularly mentoring and coaching, as being important factors that had contributed to their career success. Finally, many of them mentioned networking. Mentoring and networking are clearly identified as being of prime importance in the support and development of women at work (Coleman, 2008a).

I think opportunities are of your own making. I think you have to be proactive and go out and search for opportunities.

You can win them over with passion and commitment. Being good is not enough. You have to be better and be seen to be better. People can then say: ‘She is a woman, but she is very good.’

I was lucky that I had mentors who gave counsel. You need to be able to talk to someone who can be a sounding board.

(views of three interviewed women)