I have learned from my own experience that if you work hard you will succeed.

I never had ambition to become president of the state or to accomplish more than men.

People trust those leaders who show real results of their work, rather than those who just talk about the results.

From day one, my mantra has been - and will continue to be - that as a government we were there to serve the people, not the other way around.

Women always look for a peaceful solution to a conflict. They are more sensible when they go for compromise or when they stand by their position. They are ready to listen to different views, to hear all the voices in society.

Some countries need extra stimulus in specific areas. Something has to be done against high youth unemployment in Greece and Spain, for example. But in the end, there is no way around it: The debt levels have to come down.

I have led the way for moving women from traditional roles to strategic positions and inspired girls and women throughout Africa to seek leadership positions.