This article offers insights into the concepts of lifelong learning and human capital development (HCD). It highlights HCD as the core of career advancement and lifelong learning for women as an important mechanism for progressing to senior management positions. The two concepts are considered in relation to women's career choices and their professional advancement in South Africa. This approach is premised on the understanding that access to learning is critical to HCD. Methodologically, quantitative research methods was used. Questionnaires were administered to 133 junior workers at a mobile telecommunications network in South Africa. The findings show that continuous learning may offer a defence against gender discrimination and may create pathways for women to build their careers. The authors argue that HCD and lifelong learning are critical in creating opportunities for women to become leaders in the workplace and society. However, for this to happen, there must be supportive leadership, a conducive organizational culture and management integrity.