Perceived value of mentorship for career success of young women in rural South Africa

Abstract

There is scarcity of black women in recognised and sustainable careers / paths as well as senior leadership positions in South Africa; more so in the rural provinces. There is a clear strive for women to climb the corporate ladder. The struggle is evidently more so for the underprivileged, living in less developed and marginalised rural provinces where even basic education opportunities are either non-existent or limited to a few; depending on their socio-economic status. The real life challenge in these remote provinces is the high levels of poverty as well as high prevalence of single parent and even child-headed families. The purpose was to identify the perceived value of mentorship particularly relating to career and psychosocial mentoring functions in heightening career advancement opportunities for young women in rural South Africa. The participants were 12 established career women from the Limpopo Province. The research question addressed in the study was: What is the perceived value of mentorship for career success of young women in rural South Africa? The qualitative data were analyzed by a content-analytic procedure. The study indicates a phenomenal support for the value of mentoring for young women in rural South Africa. It would significantly enhance their chances for progression in careers; relevant guidance to make informed decisions in their career choices, as well as sustained success of their chosen careers. From the respondents’ experiences, the lack of mentoring during their formative years indicates a direct correlation between their lack of mentorship and delayed and difficult progress and even regrettable choices of careers The data suggests that mentorship program produces a ‘holistic’ and more prepared person for a successful career. Mentorship career and psychosocial functions were perceived to be helpful for the enhancement and development of effective career paths for women in rural South Africa This study therefore supports fostering career development through implementing and / encouraging effective formal or informal mentoring programs for young women in rural South Africa