Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, concluded their visit to Colombia by engaging in a forum focused on the challenges faced by women of African descent in politics. The couple also participated in a traditional music festival in Cali, a city on Colombia's Pacific coast.
Their visit, which began on Thursday at the invitation of Colombia's Vice President Francia Márquez, the country's first Black vice president, was centered around cultural and social issues. These align with the couple's work through the Archewell Foundation, their nonprofit organization.
During the forum titled "Afro Women and Power," Prince Harry and Meghan listened to Black leaders discuss the obstacles that Black women face in entering politics, particularly due to racism and discrimination. Meghan, who addressed the audience in Spanish, expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome they received in Colombia.
Vice President Márquez emphasized the importance of leadership in reducing inequality and poverty in Black communities and called on the couple to support social programs for women affected by gender violence and youth initiatives. The forum aimed to highlight efforts to restore dignity to ethnic communities and improve the welfare of women, children, and adolescents.
Earlier in their trip, the Duke and Duchess visited towns known for preserving African cultural roots, including San Basilio de Palenque in Cartagena. They also participated in a forum on digital security in Bogotá, advocating for mental health and combating cyberbullying, particularly among children and teens. Additionally, they visited a school and met with military members and veterans impacted by Colombia's long-standing internal conflicts.
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