> You?ve been in politics for 30 years. From your experience, how would you qualify the condition of women in politics?

The issue of women?s absence in politics is not just the numerical superiority of men but also the real impact that women in elected positions have. Power is very much a personal thing. Some elected men also have little impact on important issues. The ideal situation would be one where all MPs are in fact able to defend the interests of their constituents. People are used to seeing women in politics and, if candidates are perceived as competent and genuine in their commitment, they will be accepted easily. Sometimes I even think that women candidates are assets since they are closer to their constituents on a rather personal level. Their worst enemies are those around them. It is so easy to attack the reputation of a woman.

> Do you think a woman politician can be totally fulfilled both on the public and the private side?

Can anybody be totally fulfilled? There are difficult situations to deal with. The secret is to keep one?s head and only look at priorities. If one feels that there is a cause worth defending and one agrees to put up with the nasty side of politics, then it can be quite fulfilling to see results.

As far as my private life is concerned, I have been extremely lucky. I have an exceptional husband who has been mum and dad to the children. He gave me his full support, encouraged me when I was down and disappointed, never questioned my choices even when it directly affected his personal life. This is when I really learnt that there is a silver lining in every cloud and that perseverance is the greatest quality of all.

> What is your position regarding the quota system for women proposed by Sachs?

In Mauritius, we already have a quota system: the best loser system. I think that an ordinary quota system whereby you have reserved seats is basically unjust and antidemocratic. I have pronounced myself in favour of an affirmative action for women in general and not just in politics. If we are to have an electoral reform, we might as well seize the opportunity to introduce the quota for political parties since that gives the citizen the choice between several women candidates from all parties. It is also good for women to know that they are not reaching there without merit. It does not rob the electorate of their free choice. Of course, the ideal situation would be for political parties to feel that they owe it to the basic principles of democracy to present at least 50% of women to increase the chances of women and their own chances of getting a majority.