I always supported the women I worked with having time off to go to parent-teacher conferences and doctors' appointments or bringing their infants into the office.

Now, I have always believed that women are not victims; we are agents of change, we are drivers of progress, we are makers of peace - all we need is a fighting chance.

I have not supported same-sex marriage. I have supported civil partnerships and contractual relationships.

It is past time for women to take their rightful place, side by side with men, in the rooms where the fates of peoples, where their children's and grandchildren's fates, are decided.

Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.

Research shows the presence of women raises the standards of ethical behavior and lowers corruption.