Meghan Markle visits ActionAid to see our work
2 October 2019
We are thrilled the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited ActionAid on Tuesday to see our humanitarian work and take part in a discussion about ending violence against women and girls.
Meghan Markle took part in a discussion about violence. Photo: CREDIT
On her visit in South Africa yesterday, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited ActionAid to learn about our work ending violence against women and girls, and take part in discussions.
After a spate of attacks against women in South Africa, the duchess said the country was in a "crisis state".
She said the age range of those experiencing violence was "really staggering" and agreed that men and boys should be held accountable for their actions.
The trouble is as a young girl if you are not feeling safe at school and not feeling safe at home, where does that leave you?" the Duchess said.
"And that really is systemic. That is a huge issue... You will feel very displaced."
Meghan spoke with ActionAid staff and local women and girls .
She also said it was important survivors of abuse feel supported when they report such violence.
"And when they tell somebody, someone does something. That's the other issue right? It's so key being able to feel that they can communicate what's happening when something goes wrong, whatever it is," she said.
Nondumiso Nsibande ActionAid Country Director said: "What an honor to have had a conversation with The Duchess of Sussex on a critical issue of violence against women and girls in the country.
School and the journey to it can also be a place where girls experience violence, from sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation, All of us have a role to play in ending gender based violence in our country."
What ActionAid does to end violence against women and girls
Violence against women and girls is a fundamental human rights violation, affecting around one in three women and girls worldwide.
Women and girls experience violence and discrimination in every society, simply because of their gender. From the moment they are born, millions of girls around the world face many forms of violence including rape, female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual exploitation and child marriage.
That's why at ActionAid we are working to end violence against women and girls, in South Africa and in countries all over the world. We work with communities to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls and create long-term change for good.
How you can support our humanitarian work
A regular donation of just £3 a month could help change the lives of women and girls living in poverty, and end violence against women and girls in communities all over the world.
Our dedicated local staff are changing the world with women and girls. We are ending violence and fighting poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want. Please support our work today.
