"It is with great sadness, the Council of Women World Leaders lost one of its Members. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto was a great loss for the people of Pakistan. We send our condolences to her family and supporters at this time."
~ President Mary Robinson, Ireland (1990-97) and Chair, Council Women World Leaders

"My condolences to Benazir's family. This is truly a sad day for Pakistan. She was a champion of democracy and her willingness to assert that principle cost her her life. With the deepest sorrow and regret,"
~ Dame Pamela Gordon, Premier, Bermuda, 1997-1998 and Council of Women World Leaders Member

"In a region of such global importance, Benazir's was a rare woman's voice speaking out for democracy and against violence. Much of her life was spent working for these values. I am saddened by this loss and send condolences to her family and to the people of Pakistan.  I hope that democracy will prevail there and that the country will remain on track for a return to democratic civilian rule."
~ Vice President Margot Wallström, European Commission (2004-present) and Chair, CWWL Ministerial Initiative

"The senseless death of Benazir Bhutto is a sickening blow for the people of Pakistan, for the women of the world and for all people who cherish freedom and democracy. The selfless courage and commitment demonstrated by Benazir Bhutto will continue to inspire many others who wish to shape the future. I am sure her loss is keenly felt in many corners of the globe. I trust that the prayers of people from many faiths will bring comfort to her family, friends and supporters at this time."
~ Rt Hon Jenny Shipley, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand (1997-99) and Council of Women World Leaders Member

"Benazir Bhutto's courage to stand tall for a cause she firmly believed in must continue to serve as an example for all of us who aspire to serve mankind and to make this world a better and more livable one. We pray that she be granted eternal rest, we pray for strength for the family and her followers.  May the sacrifice of her life and the legacy of a woman with strong values continue to serve to help lead the people of Pakistan into a bright and Democratic Pakistan."
~ Prime Minister Maria Liberia Peters, Netherlands Antilles (1984-86, 88-94) and Council of Women World Leaders Member

"It is so sad that we still have to fight for our basic rights as a human being and for democracy as a way to express this. So much blood is spilled.
I am sure that tribute we can give to Madame Bhutto and all those who lost their lives is for all of us to continue to fight this battle with all our strength."
~ Prime Minister Susanne Camelia-Römer, Netherlands Antilles (1993, 98-99) and Council of Women World Leaders Member

"Life is a great teacher. One always learns and I'm the sort of person who's always looking to learn and to pick up from the experiences of life. But I believe the most important thing is not to lose the perspective of where one is heading. So despite the hurly-burly of political life, I've never lost focus of the most important goal that a government has and ultimately when all the rhetoric dies down, and when history writes in a detached fashion, I believe that is the place which will get recognition."

~ Benazir Bhutto

“I was taught that ladies try to have good manners…[But] being nice should never be perceived as being weak. It is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of courtesy, manners, grace, a woman’s ability to make everyone in the room feel at home. And it should never be construed as weakness because it’s the men who get the biggest shock, when they construe that niceness in a woman as weakness”.

~ Benazir Bhutto

[Excerpted from Women World Leaders: Great Politicians Tell Their Stories by Laura Liswood (2007).]

 

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