Both were part of the forum Afro Women and Powerin which they were able to learn about the leadership work carried out by midwives, cooks and other bearers of cultural tradition, who took the opportunity to share their commitment to maintaining their legacy above hatred and racism.
“Since our arrival we have been able to feel the embrace of Colombia and it is incredible. Thank you very much because your culture and your history make this a dream come true,” said the Duchess of Sussex as she greeted the audience in Spanish.
Topics such as female empowerment, the fight against violence and the preservation of traditional midwifery and medicine They were part of the forum with topics called Leaderships for life y Legacies of Dignity.
“I have to say that from a very young age I was fortunate to feel that my voice as a woman was heard. When you know that your voice has power from such a young age it represents a success in your life and that is what we should inspire all women in the world,” said Meghan.
The event was also attended by midwives from the departments of Cauca, Nariño and Chocó, as well as the governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro, and the mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, who expressed their joy at the visit to the city.
“This visit shows that Cali is in the spotlight of world leaders and it is our duty to continue promoting integration, reconciliation and, above all, generating opportunities,” said Eder.
The auditorium of the Enrique Buenaventura Municipal Theater was filled with excitement, although the heat of the city caused the Duchess to stand up and turn on a fan to cool herself and the other panelists.
“Cali is a city that welcomes thousands of people who have had to leave their territories due to displacement. The lessons I have learned in life are lessons that my community has taught me, which is why communities and community work are so important to me,” said Vice President Francia Márquez, host of the duke and duchess’ visit.
Colombia will seek financing
Márquez took advantage of the meeting to ask the dukes and the Open Society Foundation to support her in initiatives that she develops in different municipalities of the Colombian Pacific.
“We have created programs such as Young Guardians of Naturewhich started with more than 1,200 members with sustainability issues, and Water is Life “With this we seek to bring drinking water to marginalized areas,” said Vice President Márquez.
They also advance the Leading and Productive Woman Funda process for strengthening women’s economic autonomy, and She Exports to Africaempowering 30 women from excluded territories.
The Duke and Duchess concluded their four-day visit to Colombia with a tour of Cali at the Recreation Center in the El Vallado neighborhood, in the east of the city. Later, at the end of the afternoon, they participated in the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival.
This is how the “Afro Women and Power” forum with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, went! 🙌🏾
Let us not forget our women who, with their strength, culture and tradition, are the driving force of our communities. ✊🏽✨
Thank you for being the heart of our story! 🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/jtBeoNIZsc
— Cali City Hall (@AlcaldiaDeCali) August 18, 2024
Your stay in the country
The Duke and Duchess’ stay was highlighted on social media by various users as they were seen spending time with the Colombians on several occasions, and were even recorded dancing at a private event in the El Vallado neighborhood, east of Cali, the same event in which they were accompanied by the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan and Harry, were dancing this afternoon at a private event in the El Vallado neighborhood, east of Cali. Vice President Francia Márquez accompanied them on the day. ▶️ pic.twitter.com/yopJA4zQvs
— RCN News (@NoticiasRCN) August 18, 2024
#CaliNews | Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, dancing salsa in eastern Cali pic.twitter.com/EGaq5cXsR5
— TUBARCO (@tubarconews) August 18, 2024
In addition, the visit of the Duke and Duchess to the South American country was well received by various authorities in the country such as President Gustavo Petro and the official X page (formerly Twitter) of the Vice Presidency of Colombia.
Let La Boquilla not lose another square meter of its territory
Powerful expropriators seize black people’s lands.Welcome Duke and Duchess of Sussex to deep Colombia.
https://t.co/iZqzMAvBO7
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) August 18, 2024
Drums and music were the stars of the third day of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, in Colombia 🇨🇴!
Relive his time at the Cabildo Drum School in La Boquilla and the historical and cultural tour of San Basilio de Palenque. #HarryMeghanEnColombia pic.twitter.com/RI9is1l9Ji
— Vice Presidency of Colombia (@ViceColombia) August 18, 2024
#Duke #Duchess #Sussex #share #cooks #midwives #community #members #day #Colombia
