Patricia Whitelock

"It is impossible to do everything yourself."

"Astronomy has to be your life, not just your job, or you are unlikely to do well or be happy. If you are going to get married…then you must find a partner who is a true partner, because it is impossible to do everything yourself."

"I have also been President of the South African Institute of Physics."

"I am currently Head of the Astronomy Division and I was Acting Director for about 18 months following the death of the Director."

"What is clear in South Africa is that many things were strongly biased against women prior to our first democratic election in 1994."

"That bias has been more or less eliminated since."

"The only woman and only astronomer to hold that position."

"That is not to say that women occupy 50% of top posts, but there are at least some women in top posts and the profile of the workforce is gradually changing."

"The legislation that was put in place to try and remove racial discrimination."

"Is also dealing with other types of discrimination but it will take time."

"Of the 5 astronomers on the Executive Committee, I am the only woman."

"At SAAO there are a few women in scientific posts."