Our Interviews

“My simple approach to anything I do is to do the best I can – to use my office well while I am there and to understand that that office is not a place of personal privilege but a high seat of responsibility.  So every decision I take must be a decision that furthers the good of others.” -…

“…but with more women being educated, I’m sure that the number of high-caliber and quality women to assume leadership in the near future is not going to be reduced.  I think the quality of women who enter into politics will increase very soon.” - Pauline Sukhai iKNOW Politics: Let’s start by…

“The lack of political participation by women marks an important democratic deficit. All structures that make democracy more effective are also structures that can contribute to increasing women’s participation, though this is not automatic. At least this is a lesson from my own personal experience…

“To my sisters and my daughters who want to embark on politics, I have only one piece of advice: you have to believe!” - Ascofaré Ouleymatou Tamboura iKNOW Politics: To start, can you tell us what challenges you had to overcome as a woman in positions of political leadership? How did your past and…

“Women should never be afraid to join politics. Thinking that politics is dirty is only generalizing it; these reflections on politics are mostly by those who do it without manner and without their heart. Politics is about helping people, about sharpening your thoughts, minds and work, and of…

"Chilean society is much more progressive and open toward women than political parties.  The big hurdle in my country is political parties.  There are studies that confirm that women parliamentary candidates are more eligible than men.  As I indicated before, Michelle Bachelet didn’t…

“Being the first woman Mayor is indeed a great challenge. I have to prove not only to myself but also to the public, because if I am not perceived as a good leader, the general public would not be able to repose their faith in a woman who seeks political office. I have to work hard to demonstrate…

"Women are very insightful on how to run a city, ensure its improvement and cleanliness and take care of supporting women, children and families, through cultural centers, parks, and social projects." - Janet Mikhael iKNOW Politics: Ms. Janet Mikhael, you are the first female mayor in the Occupied…

“I am a firm believer of hard work and most of that is geared towards national development, economic, social and political.” - Mary King iKNOW Politics: What challenges have you faced as a woman in this leadership position as Senator? How did your background prepare you to meet these challenges?…