You've been an inspiration to women around the world, especially women joining politics. What have you to say about the progress of women in politics and in leadership roles.

Overall, women everywhere in the world have faced the usual stereotyping that a woman's place is in the home, to take care of the children, but women over time have achieved the same level of education and knowledge, and they have the same qualities that men have. But breaking through is difficult because men dominate all of the positions. Men make decisions that favour men because that's what they're accustomed to doing. But we've had breakthroughs. We look at the Scandinavian countries, it doesn't matter whether you're a woman or a man, you can become the Prime Minister or hold any high-level public service positions.

We are beginning to see more of that in Africa. If you look at the scorecard, there are more women. Now we have quite a few that are vice presidents, prime ministers, and ministers in those positions that normally were closed to women, like finance and defence, justice and commerce. Women are holding positions in parliament. There are a few women who are speakers of parliament. It's not enough, and I hear a prediction that it would take us 100 years to get full equity and full parity. Well, I don't think it would take that long. The pace is not as fast as we'd like to see it, but the progress is real.

One of my favorite Ellen Johnson Sirleaf quotes is, “If your dream does not scare you, it's not big enough." What is the dream that has scared you?

What I am doing now, that I will be able to do it. I still have a little bit of fear, you know. I want to see myself build a large center where women can convene. A place where young women can be mentored by other women who have advanced. Something that can become a testimony to women. My own life example and the lives of others will be the driving forces of motivation. And so, yes, it scares me. It scares me because I don't have the money to do it, but I want it to scare me. That's what I'm trying to do. These things take a lot of dedication and time. But you know, dreams do come true when you work hard at them.

When you look back, do you have any regrets or things you wish you had done differently?

I may have some regrets about certain decisions that I have made from time to time. There's no perfection in management decisions and abilities, but to say that I have a serious regret that I should not have done what I did, no! If I could live my life over, I'd do the same thing all over again. You can't go through your whole life cycle the way I've been through it and say you don't regret anything.

You achieved a lot of great things. What advice do you have for people raising a family and trying to make a difference in the world. How were you able to achieve work and life balance while you were trying to, you know, pursue a career and raise a family?

I got married at 17 years old, right out of high school, and I had four children before I went back to school. I had raised my children to a certain level. So, once I had gotten to the place where the opportunity for academic education and experience came, you could see that I would be a driving force and that, I would do everything to succeed. And that's exactly what I did. My capabilities and my knowledge came as much from experience as they did from school. But I do not suggest any young woman follow that path. I think they should plan their lives and take time before they get married. Go to as much school as you can, get the highest degrees and the most capabilities. That's the normal way. For those who may not be as fortunate, just know, that you, too, can make it.

I look at you, you're 85 and are you still kicking? What inspires you? What, is it that makes you get up every day and keep going?

As the only democratically elected woman in Africa, I have a responsibility to work for the fulfillment of the aspirations and expectations of African women. I have to take that as my responsibility. I have to, by example, continue to motivate them and encourage them to step up to go past their fears, to compete, and to challenge. That is the role I want to play for the rest of my life. I hope that I will have success as a result of my work and see the inauguration of the next woman president, and the next woman president, you know, and the next one.

In Africa today, I think there's a leadership deficit. What kind of leadership do you think Africa needs at a time like this?

A leadership that believes in equity and justice, a leadership that lives by a core set of values—values that recognize the role and the rights of people and make sure that they too have an opportunity to live a better life. The best teacher is example, and the best leader is one who leads by example, in honesty, in capability, and in respect for others. That is what inspires and motivates, that's when citizens will follow. And one that respects the law, the constitution, and the rule of law.

What would you say to young women out there who are just starting life and wondering what difference I could make in this world?

Any woman, no matter what particular area you may find yourself in, has the opportunity to succeed and be what they want to be. Not everybody is a superstar, but you can be a star in whatever you do through excellence, through endeavour, through determination. I think it's a call from me to every woman because I use my example that you can be what you want to be. It takes you, your self-confidence, your drive your effort to make it happen.