We have to make sure that women's issues are an essential element on the agendas of all heads of state, all governments.

My father respected and admired my mother and was a person who was always standing by my side, encouraging me to do more and believed in my capacity. So in that sense, my own experience was very good in becoming an empowered woman. From early on, I carried that strong message: 'You can do it.' So I never had any doubt that women can do a lot.

Having been a head of state gives you the possibility of getting into places others can't go.

In today's interdependent world, a threat to one becomes a menace to all. And no state can defeat these challenges and threats alone.

You all want to know what is my dream? Very simple. To walk along the beach, holding the hand of my lover.

I was not born in a home where there were stereotypes. So that was very useful because it gave me the sense of possibilities, of flying, if I may say, of making my hopes and dreams a reality.

We have to make sure that women's issues are an essential element on the agendas of all heads of state, all governments.