I firmly believe today that the only way to stop violence against women is to speak out and refused to be silenced.

Only 1 in 13 participants in peace negotiations since 1992 has been a woman.

No change can come if those who are impacted the most by discrimination are not willing to stand up for themselves.

Leadership is not about having the charisma or speaking inspirational words, but about leading with example.

Where has change ever been clean and nice? It has always been messy and painful.

I don't have a child, so Women for Women is like my child. But I always said I would step down after 20 years. I didn't want to be a 60-year-old woman holding on to something I created when I was 23.

It appears easier to talk about protecting women than it is to fully include women at all decision-making levels in peace talks and post-conflict planning.