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.

It intrigues me that women who have achieved high office are much more likely than their male counterparts to admit mistakes they have made or talk about problems they are encountering.

In iKNOW Politics’s first interview with a man, Dr. José Ángel Aquino discusses the issues of political harassment, proposals for improving the quota system and political financing. Further, Dr. Aquino provides suggestions on how to enhance women’s political participation and secure support from men.

The consolidated response from the International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics helped me to understand the operation of Women’s Wings in other countries and to formulate the Strategic Plan for Women Democrats which will become part of our Party Manifesto.

"In the game of politics, everyone thinks that they’re the best. So if you’ve got a reason to be there, you have to keep on progressing."

There are a record number of women seeking office in elections scheduled in Kenya for December 27th. And they face a number of challenges on the campaign trail, including violence and discrimination.

Politics is hard work, and it often involves many hours, little rest, and a lot of time away from the family. But it also brings many rewards: helping others and contributing to improve the quality of people’s lives is just priceless.

"The easier we can make it for women and men to combine a career with family life, the easier it will be to get women to accept leadership, or also to be asked to take on leadership."

Representing the congressional district of San Francisco, Nancy Pelosi last year became the first woman speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives—the highest-ranking woman in government. Known for her energy, passion, and ambition, Pelosi, 67, established herself as a Democratic leader in Congress by promoting women's health, stem cell research, workers' rights, and the expansion of educational opportunities

We need to acknowledge that the world is full of gender-based differences and that it takes active, informed and well-resourced policies to eliminate existing gender-based discrimination. It will not be enough to have equal rights laid down in laws and regulations.

Senator Zainab Abdulkadir Kure, represents Niger South Senatorial District of Niger state. As wife of the Niger state Governor for eight years, she supported her husband's administration. Earlier on, she was in the Niger state civil service, where she rose to the position of a permanent secretary.

There is always available information. But there is a great need for resources and generally they come when you are ahead. Any good and well thought-out campaign plan should include a number of people responsible for fundraising, those who know on which “doors to knock.”

At the age of 25, Ms Hjelm-Wallén was elected to the Swedish parliament. Entering the cabinet five years later she was the youngest MP ever to become Minister. During her 20 years in the Swedish Cabinet she served as Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister with Special Responsibility for the International Development Cooperation. Today, amongst other responsibilities, she is the chairperson for the Board of Directors at International IDEA.

All through the years I have fought to have women’s talents recognized and for women themselves to be interested in politics. We have through seminars encouraged women to participate actively in politics, not only by going out to vote but also by adhering to political parties.