“I have a dream: I hope that someday there are no borders and no wars. That there is peace throughout the world, but especially that we can communicate, that we can walk and go wherever we want, do the work we enjoy, settle where we want to settle, without conflicts of any kind. I believe that the Internet and virtual networks such as iKNOW Politics are steps toward this...”

Have faith in your ideals, confidence in your abilities and respect for your fellow human beings.

Kadiata Malick Diallo is vice-president of the Union of Forces for Progress (UFP) and a deputy in Mauritania’s National Assembly. In her interview, she speaks about her journey into politics and the role of women in the emerging Mauritanian democracy.

It intrigues me that women who have achieved high office are much more likely than their male counterparts to admit mistakes they have made or talk about problems they are encountering.

In iKNOW Politics’s first interview with a man, Dr. José Ángel Aquino discusses the issues of political harassment, proposals for improving the quota system and political financing. Further, Dr. Aquino provides suggestions on how to enhance women’s political participation and secure support from men.

The consolidated response from the International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics helped me to understand the operation of Women’s Wings in other countries and to formulate the Strategic Plan for Women Democrats which will become part of our Party Manifesto.

"In the game of politics, everyone thinks that they’re the best. So if you’ve got a reason to be there, you have to keep on progressing."

There are a record number of women seeking office in elections scheduled in Kenya for December 27th. And they face a number of challenges on the campaign trail, including violence and discrimination.

Politics is hard work, and it often involves many hours, little rest, and a lot of time away from the family. But it also brings many rewards: helping others and contributing to improve the quality of people’s lives is just priceless.

"The easier we can make it for women and men to combine a career with family life, the easier it will be to get women to accept leadership, or also to be asked to take on leadership."