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.

I don't want to be someone in my sixties holding on to a group that I created when I was in my twenties.

Since I was 15 years old I have dedicated my life to serving women.

In every single culture I encountered, there were always women who defied cultural norms to do what they believed was right for them. This phenomenon has never been related to how rich, poor, successful or not successful the woman may be.

Like life, peace begins with women. We are the first to forge lines of alliance and collaboration across conflict divides.

I couldn't find anyone doing something about the astounding injustices women were experiencing, so I decided to do something myself. I cannot tell you how many people ridiculed my efforts.