I don't subscribe to that school of thought that leadership can be altogether defined by gender.

The world has become more diversified, with women becoming a real power of change.

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.

There are many examples of female leaders who are not afraid to take responsibility and openly face the challenges in the worst situations.

It was my mother, despite the limitations placed on women of her time by society, who insisted I be allowed to go abroad to study, in sturdy defiance of the male elders of the family, who protested and decided that I should be married off instead.

I am happy and proud that during one year of presidency, my initiatives have been strongly supported by the people and society and we have launched the process of vitally important state reforms.

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