Aminetou Mint El-Moctar

"Our homeland will not be able to achieve economic growth or political development without promoting the right of both sexes to education and raising education quality in all levels."

"Human-rights activism helped me rediscover myself, refined my skills, and made me more aware of the conditions of marginalised women who are forced to drop out under the pressure of outdated social traditions."

"I rebelled against early marriage and the traditions that exclude women and make them a mere tool for the traditional and patriarchal iron fist that sets them a binding path, without regard to their personal choices."

"I will continue my path until women get the highest levels of education as a natural right, not as an exception, and enjoy full legal equality without reservations."

"Mauritanian men often see large girls and women as more desirable."

"They take it as a sign of wealth and that a girl will make a good wife."

"These are pills meant for animals, which can be even more dangerous than eating too much food."

"Having a job and earning an income allows [women] to stand up to their families and make their own decisions."