"The respect for human rights is nowadays not so much a matter of having international standards, but rather questions of compliance with those standards."

"I'm working for the women in the world, today; that's my essential issue."

"One of the factors a country's economy depends on is human capital. If you don't provide women with adequate access to healthcare, education and employment, you lose at least half of your potential. So, gender equality and women's empowerment bring huge economic benefits."

"I took a gamble to exercise leadership without losing my feminine nature."

"I think maybe because of the kind of music I sing, people want to believe you're a diva. They can't believe after eight years, and eight albums, you're still relatively sane. I feel like they almost want me to throw something at somebody."

"The only limit to human potential is the true master is an eternal student."

"I believe we need to attract a new generation of the best and brightest to public service and I believe that government can be a source of inspiration, not degradation."

"I don't believe an Alliance government should sponsor legislation on abortion or a referendum on abortion."