Meghan Markle shares touching images from meeting with anti-apartheid campaigner – as she warns of ‘countless violations against women’
THE Duchess of Sussex has taken to social media this morning to share three images from her "meeting of minds" with anti-apartheid campaigner, Sophia Williams-De Bruyn.
Posting three photographs from the meeting on Thursday, Meghan revealed how she sat down with a group of activists - from professors to educators - to discuss women's rights in South Africa.
The 38-year-old explained how the epidemic of violence against women had "weighed heavily on her heart" on the run up to the royal tour, adding that she had been eager to spend time learning about the situation during her time in Africa.
"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," Meghan wrote.
"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."
Meghan also spoke with anti-apartheid activist Dr Mamphela Ramphele, as well as politicians Lindiwe Mazibuko - the first non-white leader of the Democratic Alliance party and Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, one of the youngest women to ever serve in parliament.
"We can learn a certain amount from the outside, by tracking it through the news, but it's not the same as being able to truly understand what it's like on the ground," said Meghan.
"Much of my life I have been advocating for women and girls' rights, so this has been an incredibly powerful moment to hear first-hand from all of you.
"The leadership and strength shown by these women is remarkable, and at a time when the issue of gender and gender-based violence is at the forefront of people's minds, I hope their voices will resonate and not only give comfort but also create change.
"This is not just a South African issue, this is a global problem that can only find solution with the attention and work of everyone, regardless of gender, status, politics, race or nationality."
For the engagement on Thursday, the Duchess wore a .
The midi style is from one of Meghan's favourite retailers, J.Crew and is priced at £145.
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