How One Woman Found Purpose and Courage When Everything Fell Apart

00:00:00: We should not be using slogans, Ukraine is marching towards Europe.

00:00:03: No no we're just coming back home and Russia's trying to prevent us!

00:00:07: We are all different And we have a right To express ourselves the way we like.

00:00:12: If there could've been more women leadership... ...we would have less international armed conflicts across the world.

00:00:20: if you really intend to serve You will be good politician.

00:00:30: Welcome her voice impacts.

00:00:32: I'm Daniella Eon and here we are for another episode amplifying women's voices, not just their voices but they're soul story.

00:00:43: Today i am actually in Strassberg at the

00:00:46: Council

00:00:47: of Europe.

00:00:48: this is where it all happening within the closed doors!

00:01:03: politics.

00:01:06: Today I am interviewing a very young, amazing voice who is resounding throughout Ukrainian government and Europe.

00:01:17: Maria Medzenseva is dedicated her life to service the Ukrainian integration of the European Union and also, the chair of the Ukrainian delegation of Parliamentary Assembly Of The

00:01:42: Council

00:01:43: Of Europe.

00:01:44: Yes that sounds like a lot!

00:01:46: And she does have a huge responsibility.

00:01:50: Beyond the titles...and beyond her position we're here to listen not just from her voice, but from her soul.

00:02:00: How did she get to where she is and

00:02:03: how

00:02:04: has she accomplished this mission with such a passion?

00:02:07: So let's dive into it!

00:02:09: I can't wait to show you Maria what a pleasure would be to have you here.

00:02:17: Likewise thank-you

00:02:18: Thank You for joining us on Her Voice Impacts.

00:02:21: I want ask question before we start discussing some deeper subjects.

00:02:27: What made you start your journey in politics?

00:02:31: I can't say it happened accidentally.

00:02:34: In our family, a very important place has the grandma so she's often have vision on future of her grandchildren and grand-grandchildren.

00:02:48: So She was telling me in childhood that i would be either journalist or diplomat.

00:02:55: More or less coincided with politics of all the spheres of life, so you can be a medical doctor but still become a politician.

00:03:07: A journalist could go to politics.

00:03:10: My background is in international relations and human rights And we are at the House for Human Rights and the Council for Human Right.

00:03:18: Exactly So.

00:03:19: this briefly how it started.

00:03:23: I loved watching political news when i was young.

00:03:30: Is it like that?

00:03:31: But, and... It's very often said that politics is not for the good cost.

00:03:37: That its you know dirty business this-and-that.

00:03:41: I don't believe that.

00:03:42: And i think a young generation is proving contrary.

00:03:47: And of course uh..it IS for serving to the two young people.

00:03:52: So ..I Think This Is A Mission You Can't.

00:03:57: You can't just be on the party list and inherit this feeling of service.

00:04:03: If you really intend to serve, then it will be a good politician.

00:04:07: I think.

00:04:08: Wow so do have

00:04:09: heart?

00:04:10: I hope so!

00:04:13: Many my friends are joking that i'm Maria Red Cross.

00:04:16: So during war it unleashes all... I think all the good & bad things many people but I think our mission to help each other, to support eachother is the most important right

00:04:32: now.

00:04:32: Absolutely and did you see your vision or basically at your grandmother?

00:04:37: so maybe this possibility that would be here?

00:04:40: Do we need

00:04:41: these?

00:04:41: Yeah find it just say... Around fifteen years ago I started in European institutions as a stage year.

00:04:51: So right across the river, at the house of European Parliament... ...I was twenty back then and just going step by step everything i've learned from books which are being sold here about European conventions human rights EU integration.

00:05:10: I saw that it's not very working in reality as its written on the books.

00:05:16: And then, the aggression of Russia started against Ukraine in twenty fourteen and coincided basically with me finishing my second masters finalizing internships.

00:05:27: Everything was at the crossroads I could have gone to, for instance some business council where i used to work but my heart leaned coming back from Brussels and starting politics at the local level.

00:05:46: So the city council then building up on that to finally be in the national parliament.

00:05:53: Yeah, that's the time when it was not very evident.

00:05:59: if we're going to be there as young representatives.

00:06:01: As women... That is an interesting

00:06:04: point!

00:06:05: We had quotas and I think we can come back on that later.

00:06:08: Yes

00:06:09: yes i would like to know more about.

00:06:11: You know, choosing the road of politics can feel like a battlefield.

00:06:15: Yeah it is!

00:06:16: And ideas and egos... How do you keep that inner mission inside your view to stay focused on what the real meaning of it is that you're doing?

00:06:27: I think the real meanings are looking into the future.

00:06:31: Yes.

00:06:31: Understanding today's decision how they will impact the future….

00:06:37: Will there be positive impacts?

00:06:41: to rely on figures, calculations and of course wide support.

00:06:46: Not narrow it down.

00:06:47: just your national experience.

00:06:50: We had a negative sort-of experience in this house when we have forty six member states.

00:07:00: Before full-scale invasion, we could have been portrayed as super focused only on the Ukrainian cause.

00:07:09: But if it had been heard more widely before... If for instance women voices would be heard more broadly because of children's rights civilian rights and generally humanitarian issues more widely than men maybe?

00:07:26: This is my observation.

00:07:28: If we could have been heard earlier, I think the aggression would be prevented.

00:07:35: But it might not happen to us.

00:07:39: And now of course reality is a battlefield... A current one, and I experience it because my husband is serving.

00:07:49: My brothers are serving?

00:07:51: Yes!

00:07:51: I'm an officer in the reserve right now...

00:07:54: What?!

00:07:54: When did this happen?

00:07:56: Last November I finally did my studies at the border academy.

00:08:02: but that's something moving you to be prepared Because i don't believe that this aggression can stop tomorrow or a week time.

00:08:14: Russia has no intentions of doing that.

00:08:16: So I think it unleashed...

00:08:18: Something in you?

00:08:19: Yeah, a battlefield inside when you are in the battle with yourself.

00:08:26: so i could have been skipping this part session in Council of Europe and stay with my newborn back home in Ukraine.

00:08:36: But we chose to participate because it's an impact, a decision making... And I do believe that our great colleagues were one the largest.

00:08:51: But sometimes you need this women leadership to be inserted in the men's club.

00:08:56: And politics remains a man-club, I think We are not in parity whatsoever.

00:09:03: There're more women in population on planet Earth than men.

00:09:07: but we still aren't represented.

00:09:11: Wow, and I love the fact that you've gone enjoying the military.

00:09:13: Yeah

00:09:14: Well not yet.

00:09:15: well sort of.

00:09:16: if they if the cause will be That's all it is.

00:09:20: we'll step in.

00:09:22: I would be happy to step in yeah because we are still doing International Lobby for receiving weapons to defend ourselves.

00:09:30: We're doing the lobby To broader security coalition like NATO member states The partnership newcomers into the coalition.

00:09:43: Of course, when you lobby... You need to know how air defense system like Patriot works?

00:09:51: How much it costs for a peri rocket!

00:09:53: You can't use that against cheap drones from Russia like Shaheeds that attacked Poland.

00:09:59: Well, you know, Poland had this issue recently with using F-thirty five Falcon jets against these cheap drones, which is inefficient.

00:10:08: So I think you need to be technically prepared.

00:10:11: that's why extra education is always a good idea.

00:10:14: That's amazing!

00:10:14: You're discovering all areas no?

00:10:16: Yeah sorry for jumping around

00:10:18: but this is a powerful thing because as a woman you are not just thinking one thing we all do like to multitask yeah

00:10:25: and maybe Daniela won valid thought Which is nothing new too.

00:10:29: two outline But if they could have been more women leadership in different fields, especially politics.

00:10:37: I think we would have less international armed conflicts across the world.

00:10:43: That'd be more support

00:10:45: and peace

00:10:46: And peace...I do agree with you.

00:10:52: You represent a new generation of women.

00:10:54: i believe that their intuition empathy and strength plays a big part not only in Ukraine but Europe's future as women tend to be very much empathetic and compassionate.

00:11:12: And they're going use

00:11:13: that strength,

00:11:14: you know?

00:11:15: As the next generation of a voice how do you feel about using those attributes or your inner gut feeling?

00:11:23: we should this here Do That.

00:11:25: What do You Feel About That?

00:11:27: Yeah, I don't want to make men feel bad right now.

00:11:30: But we as women are very much multifunctioning and when i'm responding you for instance on whatsapp at the same time listening my colleagues When he's talking about amendments which need to register in

00:11:44: half

00:11:45: an hour So Well, may say we're maybe born like that.

00:11:51: I don't want to refer to gender issues in terms of how we are... Which skills do you mean?

00:11:58: It's sort-of natural and proven by science

00:12:03: And

00:12:03: probably should use this skill for the purpose To continue this multifunction.

00:12:09: There is a very funny saying from Margaret Thatcher.

00:12:13: She said if she wants things about a discussed well-asked man.

00:12:21: If you want things to be done, ask a woman!

00:12:24: So not too again... Not to insult the men I think we have this.

00:12:32: Not role models, but you are a mother.

00:12:36: It's a choice.

00:12:37: I'm not saying it is a must.

00:12:39: You're a mother or politician?

00:12:41: A human rights defender?

00:12:44: Or volunteer at the front line because i am bringing military support and help for last eleven years of this war

00:12:54: against Ukraine.

00:12:56: And This Is... amazing young generation.

00:13:01: I mean, i'm falling out of this notion of being a young.

00:13:07: according to Ukrainian law...I am over thirty-five already.

00:13:11: but it's not about the age!

00:13:13: It is about the young card.

00:13:14: and sparkly in mind I think And we really need to listen to the voices of young generations that why in Ukraine We set up new youth council under parliament of Ukraine which represents all regions of Ukraine, even temporarily occupied territories with parity for boys and girls being represented.

00:13:36: That is amazing!

00:13:37: So

00:13:38: we can hear their ideas... Yes We can reflect to their opinions And I do believe there are future decision-makers Makers meaning that they are elected members of various councils, parliaments, international organization diplomatic corps business representatives.

00:14:00: and this is amazing because you know, we are not here forever.

00:14:05: We have to pass this heritage and our knowledge to them.

00:14:11: that's why I'm always eager...and i want to summarize a bit..I am always eager to have interns.

00:14:17: I was myself when interned back in the days, but i didn't have this support.

00:14:21: You know?

00:14:22: Wow!

00:14:22: I was knocking at different doors, receiving notes... you were trying to get in.

00:14:26: yes so now I am eager to work with young generation who are trying to getting internship in the Council of Europe or European Parliament Or in the parliament of Ukraine or elsewhere.

00:14:37: wow To-to Get This

00:14:41: Exposure

00:14:42: and to to show that they really can, and I do believe in them.

00:14:48: What an amazing opportunity to pave a way for young women... Sure!

00:14:52: ...to be able even being here on the grounds which is quite funny enough something that i thought about from all the way from Australia.. ..I used look at the maps when I was about sixteen because one day said I'm gonna walk through here but not know why and what happens.

00:15:11: And I think it's a powerful thing because women can feel the future.

00:15:15: They don't feel... Yeah, and predict a little bit.

00:15:20: But that is part of also as woman has been suppressed to not be that way.

00:15:28: It seems important and vital for women even in these industries to go with that intuition?

00:15:36: Absolutely!

00:15:37: I think it's about intuition, and the general perception of women in politics.

00:15:44: In the morning you do think how am i going to look like?

00:15:47: Not because your concerned with your looks!

00:15:50: It is a fact that someone will criticise you... ...and then men wearing different socks are ok.

00:15:57: I'm okay with different socks but neither man nor woman have to be criticised for their way they look.

00:16:06: Appropriation, business casual... But I remember many cases when you would be disregarded because people are distracted of how we look.

00:16:20: totally nonsense and I'm trying also to fight these stereotypes.

00:16:25: I think strong women know their value, And i will not name this Minister of Defense because if I named the country it would be very evident but one recent former Ministers of Defense.

00:16:37: she's a woman from Europe.

00:16:39: Maybe it's also unclosing, unleashing her personality.

00:16:43: But whatever she... When I saw her in Kiev like wearing you know more or less short dress shoes like that.

00:16:53: very strong.

00:16:54: She knows what she does!

00:16:56: She is absolutely professional and military sense And she can look wherever she likes.

00:17:01: This is this approach with yeah, which should be taken and I mean Daniela.

00:17:07: I'm sorry that we're talking about this topic.

00:17:09: Maybe it's nonsense but sometimes It becomes ridiculous on a level how women may be mistreated because of appearances.

00:17:19: We're all different and we have the right to express ourselves

00:17:24: in our own way.

00:17:29: Yes, it's an art!

00:17:30: A woman is an art.

00:17:32: I like that.

00:17:33: woman isn't art.

00:17:37: Maria i want talk about Ukraine integration into European Union.

00:17:43: It sounds technical and political, but I think our listeners would like to know more about how that affects on a human level for families... ...for women, children of the next generation.

00:17:54: What does it actually mean?

00:17:55: For me

00:17:57: this is exactly the last fifteen years in my career so I've started European integration at UK University.

00:18:10: Actually, it coincided with my comeback to Ukraine after studies in the UK.

00:18:13: So you were very passionate about this?

00:18:14: The day I learned...

00:18:15: Yes!

00:18:16: ...the revolution started and the revolution was initiated by a little bit more than a hundred young students that were opposing non-signing of association agreement between Ukraine and EU.

00:18:30: back then It was President Yanukovych who fled the country because of protests.

00:18:36: For me, it's also a choice covered with blood because we lost lots of people at those protests.

00:18:46: At the front line... Because they continued aggression.

00:18:50: So today's aggression is against our... Even though what we learned from Russian officials that are saying they're not against EU membership but they're against NATO membership.

00:19:00: But who are they to choose instead of Ukrainian people?

00:19:04: It's the truly, should be a referendum where we will vote yes or no.

00:19:11: Sometimes in the future I believe it is twenty-thirties sometimes then but really need do our homework well because its about amending laws In the committee at work which EU Committee and Parliament of Ukraine.

00:19:26: We're absolutely.

00:19:28: Is this something you're fighting for, I feel?

00:19:30: Yeah.

00:19:31: Basically we are one of the smallest committees but we proceed around ninety percent of laws because Daniella... The phone that were using, for instance, roaming.

00:19:43: yeah We've been coming from Australia in EU and we use it in roaming.

00:19:47: if they come from Ukraine same.

00:19:49: It's the law on roaming On affiliation with the systems of roaming.

00:19:53: Wow!

00:19:53: We will have a coffee or water with you In plastic or paper cup.

00:19:59: This is the law on interaction of paper and plastic with water, how safe that it?

00:20:06: We will be talking about internally displaced persons.

00:20:10: Seven million Ukrainians are now residing in Europe including EU states And this program for temporary protection in a way, part of the integration human rights.

00:20:24: And on and on... I'm so happy that during these years EU & Europe is coming back to the idea of joint security programs because Human Rights is great slogan.

00:20:39: but today Human Rights are protected over here.

00:20:44: Let me see where we're at Just there?

00:20:50: This little part of all this is protecting...this is the front line for human rights.

00:20:57: So our brave army, men and women by the way will have around seventy thousand women?

00:21:04: Seventy thousand!

00:21:04: More than in some NATO countries yeah And it's number growing.

00:21:08: we're very proud that That small piece even though were largest European country This small piece is protecting all of this and maybe even wider, globally.

00:21:22: When you explain it like that my mind just exploded!

00:21:27: I want to tell one interesting thing regarding women in European integration from the ninth century.

00:21:37: If i'm not mistaken the daughters of our king Yaroslav the Wise All of them married European kings.

00:21:48: So Hungarian king, Polish, Norwegian, Swedish etc... so our diplomacy and European Ukraine expanded via women through the Thai etiquette diplomacy to Europe And they gave birth to children, of course.

00:22:09: And Queen Anna for instance had her wedding ceremony with her Frenchman in San Sofia which you've visited in Kiev I think the cathedral.

00:22:22: so she brought etiquette to France and this brings us to the fact that we should not be using slogans.

00:22:30: Ukraine is marching towards Europe.

00:22:32: no-no We're just coming back home And Russia is trying to prevent us.

00:22:38: Ukraine as a country or how we can picture it, the project you've contributed that lady which is bleeding today but she's with force marching over the bright future

00:22:59: And she's taking her children with her to

00:23:01: you.

00:23:01: Exactly, exactly!

00:23:02: Which

00:23:03: is so powerful right?

00:23:04: Yeah I love this mini history lesson because i did not know that

00:23:08: at all.

00:23:08: Sorry for the idea.

00:23:10: No don't be apologetic Because it's important.

00:23:12: we understand heritage and history

00:23:15: Absolutely

00:23:15: And culture Cause.

00:23:17: thats something that's important

00:23:18: too as well.

00:23:18: That was what he felt about our culture

00:23:20: This one thing that ive heard from my favourite artist Jamala.

00:23:24: She's great

00:23:27: way before Eurovision.

00:23:28: She's from the peninsula, which is under Temporary Occupation Crimean Peninsula and

00:23:33: most amazing singer.

00:23:34: And I heard her once say you know if you take away our culture You take away my soul

00:23:40: Absolutely!

00:23:40: Then Ukraine stops existing.

00:23:44: If we wouldn't be fighting for culture, as you rightly say.

00:23:47: The language history traditions even religion was misinterpreted by Russian church.

00:23:55: if we would be deprived from this then it makes no sense of existing.

00:24:02: yeah so it's existential for us and I think art is a great way.

00:24:08: So the music of Jamala.

00:24:10: she won Eurovision.

00:24:14: She sang in her native Kremlin-Tatar language.

00:24:19: And neither

00:24:21: you or me understands the language, but... No!

00:24:25: Her soul is speaking to us and that's why it's so important today to say this indigenous people who reside in Ukraine, who reside here by the way are oppressed by Russia And we need to reveal them from this oppression because there are the Czech Republic of Echkeria, Bashketerstan.

00:24:52: Many, many Circassians.

00:24:54: have you heard these names?

00:24:56: All those people reside in Russia!

00:24:58: And for instance, Circassians were experiencing genocide from Russia for two hundred years and there's only two percent of them left on planet Earth.

00:25:07: Two percent?

00:25:08: Two percent!

00:25:09: From how they were.

00:25:11: now it is only two per cent because the genocide This unleashed historical things, which will inherit and insert in texts of many resolutions here.

00:25:23: Because this is a platform for that I think it's very important.

00:25:26: Look how important to keep culture alive And i think Many countries Will lose their culture if we don't stand

00:25:36: up Absolutely.

00:25:37: Our great-great ancestors fought to keep that culture alive.

00:25:43: It's very important!

00:25:48: I want to ask you here at Her Voice Impacts, we believe the voice is a legacy not just of your own speaking voice but it could be through art or all different things even what you're doing service in politics.

00:26:03: A young woman might listening today and she feels like she wants do something for her life Or step into leadership But she doubts.

00:26:13: Yeah, sure.

00:26:15: What

00:26:15: message can you give to so many of the young women who have an?

00:26:19: unfortunately we live in a day and age where these doubts are consistent

00:26:25: through

00:26:26: either social media

00:26:27: or

00:26:28: comparison?

00:26:29: what can you tell them?

00:26:32: Give them some tips of some sort.

00:26:33: You know

00:26:35: I think that main tip is never doubt yourself.

00:26:38: So... We're so overthinking.

00:26:43: I mean, men are acting.

00:26:47: They're like they were offered a position and accepted you know?

00:26:51: And then how am i going to be dealing with the family?

00:26:56: How many hours left for me to sleep this that during the war.

00:27:02: it's absolutely different dimension.

00:27:06: You never know if will wake up.

00:27:08: This is so sad.

00:27:10: Because of the attacks, because of drones and rockets you don't know if tomorrow will come.

00:27:16: So for Ukrainian women younger generation that might be more valid to not overthink and act

00:27:29: faster.

00:27:30: Other friends in Europe have more time And those who are relocated also suffer even more Because they are missing home, even if there great experts.

00:27:44: They might not be receiving job fast but we replaced so many workforce in Europe by women and namely because they know the language... And they adapt right?

00:27:54: There's

00:27:54: something special

00:27:57: about

00:27:57: it!

00:27:57: ...and

00:27:57: this is something that Europe likes.

00:28:00: So we will see, but for young generation especially girls and teenagers if you are interested in something let it be biology or chemistry.

00:28:13: I don't know history.

00:28:15: Be great on that.

00:28:16: take one thing and develop yourself.

00:28:20: try to interact.

00:28:22: Don´t be shy to request demand Because I think a younger generation has it.

00:28:30: They have, they have and sometimes its about coordination with you know not the leadership but self-coordination in society.

00:28:43: Navigating that?

00:28:44: Yeah!

00:28:45: Sometimes we can withstand too much It could happen.

00:28:49: So finding balance having also maybe a mentor A mentor, a mentor lady.

00:28:56: That's great because you will avoid mistakes and save one of the most precious things which is time.

00:29:05: but never be regretting something that are called in our life mistake.

00:29:13: I

00:29:14: think there's nothing which is a mistake, if some things happen they happened for the cause and

00:29:19: it always gives you another path but still gets to where you need.

00:29:23: absolutely.

00:29:23: time machine has not invented yet.

00:29:26: so by then we

00:29:28: have got

00:29:29: to deal with this.

00:29:31: how much do believe face or I won't talk about, say a religion but more of the spirit like belief in something greater than yourself.

00:29:44: Higher power maybe?

00:29:45: Higher power absolutely!

00:29:46: Universe, energy... Energy all that.

00:29:50: and tell

00:29:51: me about this

00:29:52: energy really you know.

00:29:53: I am baptized from birth i'm coming from Christian Orthodox family But in modern life, real-life... I go to church but for instance can visit Mosque.

00:30:06: Can you feel the energy?

00:30:09: Exactly!

00:30:10: I truly believe that the Bible, Torah and Koran are talking about same thing with values not kill, envy or good core person

00:30:24: etc.,

00:30:25: not steal nor judge the golden rules of life.

00:30:30: And it's more about also whether the energies are matched, yeah?

00:30:36: For instance... The best present in this full-scale war was probably my husband and this is all so about energy colliding because... She's colliding!

00:30:50: Colliding, you tell

00:30:52: me?!

00:30:52: This is brilliant that at these terrible times with the universe still can send you such a half, your half let's say.

00:31:04: Like looking at yourself really?

00:31:06: Yeah yeah

00:31:06: so I'm like sometimes when i hear slogans love is not forever.

00:31:11: we will test it.

00:31:13: Love Is Not Forever.

00:31:14: this and that...I think its about still finding the right person next to you.

00:31:20: It may happen with time or years.

00:31:25: The relationships are transforming all the time.

00:31:28: Yes, and transformation?

00:31:29: Yeah but that's why I want to send a message for young women who're in their twenties or thirties that they haven't found their second half of whatever partner let say because it can be a man-woman yes...I wanna send this message that God, universe, energy they will find the right time for this.

00:31:54: If something goes wrong, it's not the right

00:31:56: Time.

00:31:57: I agree and do you believe that your partnership is one that Is a combined mission as well because You both seem to have The same passion.

00:32:05: even though I haven't met Your husband yet i can feel his energy.

00:32:08: He's like we're on the same page.

00:32:10: I'm joking Because he's serving in the army And I am In parliamentary trips between Kharkiv and Kiev, he defends part of Donetsk region.

00:32:21: Because we don't have that much time together That's why we never fight.

00:32:28: But this is not your recipe.

00:32:34: I think it about understanding.

00:32:39: The more you try to put yourself in other shoes the more empathy.

00:32:44: or just imagine which mission are currently happening when we're even doing this interview, it just makes me feel good because I know that he's doing the right thing and his mission is great.

00:32:58: And you're

00:32:59: both in alignment?

00:33:02: Yeah!

00:33:02: It's acceptance of fact that these challenges are with us but at the same time were happy to have ten, fifteen minutes half an hour to even talk with each other over the phone.

00:33:15: Wow!

00:33:16: That must be difficult... It is but it's worth it.

00:33:21: Ruri I want ask one last question my little trivia question what is on your bookshelf?

00:33:26: because everyone has got different kind of book.

00:33:29: Absolutely, I have the biography of Churchill.

00:33:36: Oh really?

00:33:37: Yeah yeah yeah one of his fans and let's say he used to work with conservatives back in the days but when they chose do the Brexit i was not very happy.

00:33:46: See you put it back!

00:33:49: Churchill by the way at your bag...I had this book Europe a human enterprise.

00:33:59: Why am I referring to this?

00:34:02: Because of Council Of Europe, the speech and the photograph you see on that book was made in Switzerland at a square when Churchill said we need to create some kind of states off Europe.

00:34:15: And he showed us for Victor his nice symbol.

00:34:19: This means different thing.

00:34:21: This is victory, just to remind everyone.

00:34:23: So he showed this to say that the victory that occurred in mid-century... mid century, twentyth century was not just a gift.

00:34:36: it had to progress with human rights, was democracy.

00:34:40: With the rule of law and all these principles that were rising back then.

00:34:46: And I think this is one of the founding principles.

00:34:49: That's why i love books which are linked to Churchill.

00:34:53: This actually a linkage for Council of Europe.

00:34:56: That's amazing!

00:34:57: So it looks like your book.

00:34:59: Well... One of them Of course I have the historical ones, for instance how to make Russia small again.

00:35:10: just a little book.

00:35:11: And of course some psychology... Some through the Bible, of course some traditional literature international criminal law because we are today working with war crimes.

00:35:25: With genocide like for instance mass deportation off Ukrainian children to Russia bringing back civilians from captivity prisoners of war.

00:35:35: how were they treated?

00:35:36: Are the Geneva Conventions used towards them or misused?

00:35:42: usually they're misused by Russia.

00:35:44: many particular European law books, you know.

00:35:47: Things like that and of

00:35:48: course... And eating them over in this city?

00:35:50: Absolutely!

00:35:52: So I have a lot of bookshelves That's true.

00:35:55: Oh yeah there are lots of book-shelve.

00:35:57: That is hard to keep because your all over the place But i consider having sort Given the book as a present is good thing.

00:36:10: I think so

00:36:10: too,

00:36:11: they're best presents right?

00:36:12: Yeah!

00:36:12: I like to give books as presents and getting them.

00:36:16: Maria thank you very much

00:36:18: for

00:36:18: spending this beautiful time with us.

00:36:19: Thank You So much for inspiring so many women here on her voice impacts.

00:36:24: Thank you.

00:36:24: i hope that interview will get to the right audience.

00:36:29: We agree

00:36:31: We have

00:36:37: had an amazing story from Riria Messenseva about self-doubt.

00:36:42: And I think that was the core of this message, where are you doubting?

00:36:47: The importance right now is we're being thrown so many messages of doubt and fear but can't be in that place!

00:36:56: If you believe that you have gifts and talents, it had been given to you.

00:37:00: So we heard the story.

00:37:01: Maria would pretend to speak into corn in her village.

00:37:06: an interview people.

00:37:08: That was her future self playing out The role she plays here now.

00:37:13: What are YOU doing in your life?

00:37:15: That brings your future self quicker to you.

00:37:18: Doubt & fear is not going.

00:37:20: do it.

00:37:21: How do we eliminate doubt?

00:37:23: Well first of all We must stop fearing.

00:37:27: Fear has a power, it's the power to eliminate all of your gifts and talents.

00:37:33: Fear is actually not even real!

00:37:36: It's something that you think is there or its playing out but it's actually not...it in your mind.

00:37:43: this brings in self-doubt.

00:37:46: Self-doubt is also being projected through your exterior world, Your environment.

00:37:51: The things that you're putting your eyes on the thing That it's going into your soul.

00:37:56: as a woman You'll hear to bring out your amazing gifts and talents.

00:38:01: look Into what those gifts and talent are.

00:38:04: Maybe you have a gift in speaking but don't know how To move forward in that.

00:38:08: But you had this fear of an audience listening to you And What they might think Of you?

00:38:14: Let me tell you I once had that fear and all i did was, just kept believing in myself no matter what anyone said.

00:38:24: You know even from a personal point of view ,I'm standing behind the picture painting That actually envisioned many years ago and I envisioned being here at the Council of Europe.

00:38:38: Somehow, i don't know why but I felt it and saw it now...I didn't tell anyone that It was something personal to me But this has manifested!

00:38:48: I did not let my doubt or fear take over me.

00:38:52: What are you fearing right now?

00:38:54: what is actually having power over your stopping from moving forward?

00:38:59: You know, as a woman you have the story with soul and her voice impacts is here to inspire.

00:39:06: This why we had these women talking about their journey.

00:39:10: not just success right away but what did they do get?

00:39:15: where are?

00:39:16: You must

00:39:17: tune

00:39:18: in your inner

00:39:19: calling

00:39:20: or inner soul.

00:39:23: take that step.

00:39:25: be a woman who will stand up Fearless.