Our Interviews

“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?…

"The parties, whether left or right, are a mirror of what happens in society. Men are also machista in the parties; it’s difficult for them to open the area up. There is already enormous competition between them, so they don’t want to have to compete with women as well. For this reason, the change…

"I would like above all for all women interested in politics to know that, deep down inside, there is latent genius that holds and has the potential to create national wealth.” - N’déye Fatou Touré iKNOW Politics: Tell us about your career. What sparked your interest in politics? What inspired you…

"I am in politics because I want certain things to happen and others to not. Based on this, I will see who I join up with, who I talk to; and also who I won’t join up with and who I won’t talk to. If I begin to think about whose photo will be taken or who will talk to the cameras and I fight over…

"In order to be active in politics, it is not necessary to be a candidate. Involvement in politics can also be through music, theatre, art, graffiti and activism. These are much more legitimate forms for youths. We don’t oppose formal politics since this is where decisions are made, and in order to…

“…but on the other hand, there is also a challenge, not only in Bolivia but in the region, for us feminists that have been in this fight for a long time to pass the torch to young women and to work jointly with them and strengthen their leadership. We have to give room for the new generations and I…

“Being a woman is not synonymous with being inferior, and that is a direct message to indigenous women. I know many indigenous women who consider themselves inferior to men and this mentality is unfortunate. We must get fear of men out of our minds. I think that a woman must have a lot of character…