Meghan Markle Meets With Women’s Rights Activists During South Africa Trip

From ELLE

Before she jetted off to Johannesburg, Meghan Markle attended an important meeting with a group of influential women to discuss women’s rights in South Africa. The Duchess wore a J. Crew skirt, Misha Nonoo top, and a pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps. Photos from the meeting were shared on the Duke and Duchess’s Instagram account on Sunday.

“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,” the caption read. “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.”

Meghan is now in Johannesburg, where she Skyped into a meeting Prince Harry was having in Malawi to promote girls’ education.

“We were hoping this might happen but the palace were not the comms would work! Meghan Skyped Harry today from Johannesburg,” the Daily Mail's Rebecca English tweeted. “He’s in Malawi highlighting the wonderful work of @Camfed The duchess has had private meetings with the charity in London but couldn’t join him today.”

Meghan has been focusing on women’s rights during her South Africa trip. She’s had multiple meetings to discuss female empowerment and also made a secret visit to the memorial of a murdered student from the University of Cape Town, a private moment she later shared on Instagram.

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,” the caption on Instagram said. “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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