Women define "success" as happiness, independence: Survey

Women's priorities have shifted, a survey found, with independence, positiveness, respect and charisma all held in higher regard than finding a life partner.

Female respondents gave the highest approval rating, 4.53 out of 5, to independent life choices, a sign that modern women are loath to pander to the expectations of others, this was followed by happiness, according to a survey conducted by zhaopin.com, a job-seeking portal, ahead of Tuesday's International Women's Day.

The ability to take care of themselves and their family, and to be respected and charismatic both received the same rating, and tied in third, while marrying a good man scored the least of 3.69, according to the answers of 15,876 respondents.

"Having a career of my own and financial independence is crucial," said Wang Tian, 28, who works for a state-owned enterprise in Beijing.

According to the survey, career choices were primarily influenced by the working environment and pay, while it was made clear that there had to be a work-life balance, and above all the feeling of security and stability.

"The best scenario would be getting recognition for my work and being offered promotions and pay raise, which do not come at the expense of my family," said Wang, who recently fell pregnant.

As for unspoken career rules like gender discrimination, nepotism and rent-seeking, 56.7 percent of respondents said they had zero tolerance, including over half of the female respondents.

In addition, 65.6 percent of respondents said their companies failed to offer benefits for female employees, while 18.4 percent said they had not paid attention.

Wang suggested that all companies consider flexible work hours for female employees, the setting up of mother-and-baby rooms, and allowing menstruation leave, among others.

"At the end of the day, gender discrimination needs to end. Give female employees the promotion and career development they deserve," Wang said. Endit