“I always say that to be a Minister in the government is an opportunity. It is a privilege, it is not a right that comes to you automatically. It’s an opportunity where you can serve and do your best.”

“In the modern world online networking is an important source of social capital. Women benefit a lot from being members of social networks of young mothers, business women etc. Why not also benefit from the exchange of skills and experiences of political activities.”

A woman leader carries the responsibility not only for herself, but for every woman who will be appointed to a key position in the future. A woman should be a top professional and highly qualified, and sometimes even more determined and tougher than a man.

"When we get involved in politics, we gain a better understanding of power and we discover that it is an indispensable goal if we want to have a voice in key decisions. Being outside is not the same as being inside. When you’re inside, you find a deeply rooted, established structure, and although it is an enormous challenge, those of us who are inside have to find a way to make it more flexible and change it. When we are outside, we talk about change, but if we keep talking about change without having power, we won’t be able to bring about that change."

“Inequality is so real and so deep that you are never completely satisfied. You look ahead and see that there is much to be done. Nevertheless, I am always going to live in the present and enjoy it. We have to acknowledge that in Spain, during the past year, we have done things and taken steps that are very important, and it has been a very intense experience for me.”

“…renewal implies opening up more paths for women and young women — especially in politics, so they fall in love with politics and find it a space where, besides being politicians, they can find fulfilment in other aspects of their lives.”

“I consider iKNOW Politics an extremely important tool that is becoming more and more accessible to a wider audience. Many women are seeking tools to help them get ahead in politics. Networking allows us to join together and become stronger.”

“I have a dream: I hope that someday there are no borders and no wars. That there is peace throughout the world, but especially that we can communicate, that we can walk and go wherever we want, do the work we enjoy, settle where we want to settle, without conflicts of any kind. I believe that the Internet and virtual networks such as iKNOW Politics are steps toward this...”

Have faith in your ideals, confidence in your abilities and respect for your fellow human beings.

Kadiata Malick Diallo is vice-president of the Union of Forces for Progress (UFP) and a deputy in Mauritania’s National Assembly. In her interview, she speaks about her journey into politics and the role of women in the emerging Mauritanian democracy.