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MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

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Meghan Markle Has Been Taking A Stand Against Gender Based Violence In South Africa

The duchess honoured murdered 19-year-old student Uyinene Mrwetyana - by Isabelle Truman
  • 29 Sep 2019
Meghan Markle Has Been Taking A Stand Against Gender Based Violence In South Africa

Since joining the royal family, Meghan Markle has made no secret of being a feminist who wants to use her position to help women's advancement in all areas. During her and Prince Harry's 10-day tour of South Africa, the Duchess of Sussex took time out of her schedule to personally visite the memorial of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a 19-year-old student at the University of Cape Town who was raped and murdered in August.

A photo of Meghan tying a ribbon at her memorial was shared on the Duke and Duchess’s Instagram page on Saturday, after Meghan's secret visit (the public were not informed she would be there). Meghan wrote “Simi kunye kulesisimo” on the ribbon, which means “We stand together in this moment” in Xhosa. The caption read that Meghan wanted to "to pay her respects and to show solidarity with those who have taken a stand against gender-based violence and femicide."

Meghan also met with Mrwetyana’s mother to offer her and Prince Harry’s condolences. "Uyinene’s death has mobilised 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," the statement on @SussexRoyal continued.

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"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 mobilised 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. For more information on the recent events in South Africa, please see link in bio. #AmINext

Earlier in the week, Meghan spoke to locals who work to teach girls about their rights as well as self-defense practices, saying, “My husband and I have been closely following what you've been experiencing here - as best we can from afar. But now that we are with you, we are eager to learn and see first-hand the work that you're doing, the vital work that you're doing, and that everything that is being done on the ground is making the great change that you not only need but that you deserve.”

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Isabelle Truman
Isabelle Truman
Isabelle Truman is a freelance writer based out of London, UK. She specialises in fashion, lifestyle and travel and knows a thing or two (read: everything) about both Meghan Markle and 'Sex and the City'.

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