Our Interviews

"I went into politics as a result of the emergence of the Islamist Movement in the nineties.  I was trying to find a way to help my country and contribute to the decision-making process as well as help women, who are usually the first to suffer. In 2002, at the age of 34, and until 2007, I…

iKNOW Politics: I would like to begin by asking you how you began your career in politics? And what motivated you to do so? The first thing that helped me pursue a career in politics is the political environment in Morocco and the political will prevailing in it as a democratic country as well as…

iKNOW Politics: In the recently published document “Municipalities governed by women and population index” (Mexico), prepared by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Electoral Court of the…

"My message was that the new Iraq should be built based on the equal participation of men and women." - Safia Sohail iKNOW Politics: Please tell us about the beginning of your career in politics? Though it was a personal choice, my father played a role in it. We were seven sisters. My father was…

iKNOW Politics: In May of 2012 the Bolivian law relating to harassment and violence against women in politics was passed. Could you summarize the process leading to the enactment of this law, which actors played a key role in it and why? The process was quite long. It lasted almost twelve years,…

iKNOW Politics: Thank you so much for having agreed to this interview with iKNOW Politics. I would like to start by asking how you got your start in politics and if you ever faced any difficulties as a woman. My first steps in politics were very simple, as can be the case for anyone.  I was…

iKnow Politics: I would like to start by asking you about your political career. When did it start? What motivated you? What opportunities or obstacles did you face because of your gender? I've never been asked this question in such detail. I am a rural woman born in the province of Chimborazo, in…

iKNOW Politics: I’d like to begin by asking you about your political career.  When did it begin and what inspired you to get involved?  What opportunities and obstacles have you come across as a woman in politics? As early as secondary schooling and the beginning of my psychology degree,…

"There is no better way to add to your political worth than through training and constant capacity-building, especially for women.  Men are more willing to take on political challenges without training.  For women, it’s much more difficult to take this step or to find the courage. …