Duchess of Sussex hails SA women as remarkable leaders
The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle has hailed South African women as remarkable leaders with amazing strength.
Markle was speaking in Cape Town after meeting women leaders from various sectors and political affiliations.
The meeting was aimed at gaining a better understanding of their roles.
Earlier Markle tied a yellow ribbon at the site where Uyinene Mrwetyana was murdered last month in a show of solidarity with victims of gender violence.
She is expected to join her husband, Prince Harry in Johannesburg this week as their Southern Africa trip continues.
Taking to their Instagram platform, they said,
“On Thursday we convened a meeting of minds – a group of women ranging from a legendary anti-apartheid activist, female parliamentarians, professors, educators and policy makers to discuss the rights of women in South Africa. In the lead up to this tour it weighed heavily on my heart to see the countless violations against women, and I wanted to spend my time on the ground learning about the situation at hand.
One of the guests, Sophia Williams-De Bruyn was just 18 years old when in 1956 she led 20,000 women to march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria in protest of apartheid pass laws. She is the last living leader of the march, and today, a symbol of those who fight for fundamental human rights – For her it is simple – she fights for what is right.
Issues of gender inequality affect women throughout the world, independent of race, color, creed, or socioeconomic background. In the last week I’ve met with women from all walks of life – religious leaders such as the first female rabbi in Capetown, grassroots leaders in Nyanga at Mbokodo, community activists, parliamentarians, and so many more.
In sitting down with these forward thinkers, it was abundantly clear – it is not enough to simply hope for a better future; the only way forward is “hope in action.” I’m eager to spend the next few days in South Africa continuing to learn, listen and absorb the resilience and optimism I’ve felt here.“ -Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex’
They also went on saying;
“Simi kunye kulesisimo” – ‘We stand together in this moment’
The Duchess of Sussex has tied a ribbon at the site where 19-year-old Cape Town student Uyinene Mrwetyana was murdered last month, to pay her respects and to show solidarity with those who have taken a stand against gender-based violence and femicide. Over the last month in Capetown, protests erupted through the streets in outrage over GBV in South Africa.
The Duke and Duchess had been following what had happened from afar and were both eager to learn more when they arrived in South Africa. The Duchess spoke to the mother of Uyinene this week to relay their condolences.
Visiting the site of this tragic death and being able to recognise Uyinene, and all women and girls effected by GBV (specifically in South Africa, but also throughout the world) was personally important to The Duchess.
Uyinene’s death has mobilized people across South Africa in the fight against gender-based violence and is seen as a critical point in the future of women’s rights in South Africa. The Duchess has taken private visits and meetings over the last two days to deepen her understanding of the current situation and continue to advocate for the rights of women and girls’.
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Source: eNCA
