A few years ago Kubatana started a series of Inside/Out interviews. They recently had the pleasure of interviewing Mary Robinson, the first woman President of Ireland (1990-1997) and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002). Mary and six international women leaders are visiting Zimbabwe to support
Describe yourself in five words?
I am an activist.
Whats the best piece of advice youve ever received?
Ive received a lot of good advice – I didnt always take it. I think its to develop my whole potential.
Whats the most ridiculous thing youve ever done?
I once went to a party of an American friend, disguised in a wig and a big bosom. I got away with it for the whole evening.
What is your most treasured possession?
This ring that my husband gave me on our fifteenth wedding anniversary and we are now in our fortieth year. It is very old and its a flower. If you are free you have it the other way around. It dates from 1770; we were married in 1970. Hes a very sentimental man, my husband, Im glad to say.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
I think the invisibility of people who are suffering terribly, whether they are suffering because of poverty or they are torture victims.
Do you have any strange hobbies?
I like walking; when Im in Ireland I walk a lot in the woods around my family home.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My hair. I dont have good African hair; I have to keep putting curlers in it.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Im not a great shopper, so my greatest extravagance is books. Right now Im reading a novel about the Spanish civil war.
What have you got in your fridge?
Thats my weakness. You see its my husband who knows more about whats in the fridge.
What is your greatest fear?
That something terrible could happen to an immediate member of my family. Im a grandmother and I have four grandchildren. Family is very precious.
What have you got in your pockets right now?
Tissues.
What is your favourite journey?
Going home. Crossing Ireland to County Mayo, my mood instantly lifts. Ive been outside Ireland now for five years in Geneva, working for the United Nations, and seven years in New York. At the end of this year I go home. Im looking forward to that. I have very strong local agricultural reference points, and thats very important when youre trying to understand land issues. Being Irish I have a particular understanding of land issues because we had to fight the colonial power, which was Britain, and assert our Land Rights.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Like many people its Nelson Mandela. Being one of his Elders Im part of a group that he brought together. Hes an extraordinary man. Archbishop Tutu is another favourite of mine. Also a lot of women that Im encountering, including Nyaradzai, Ive learnt so much from her.
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