Meghan Markle recently made headlines during her visit to Cali, Colombia, where she participated in the Afro Women and Power conference. This event, aimed at empowering Afro-Colombian women, was hosted by the Colombian Vice President, Francia Márquez, who is also the nation's first Black vice president.
Markle's involvement was part of her and Prince Harry's whirlwind four-day tour of Colombia, after being invited by Márquez. During the conference, Markle spoke passionately about the importance of helping young girls understand the value of their voices.
Expressing her pride, she mentioned, "For us and the work we do with our Archewell Foundation, ensuring young girls feel their voices are heard is so important." She emphasized the need for boys to listen as well, promoting the idea of raising children to respect the opinions of others.
"Our daughter at three has already found her voice, and we’re proud of it," she shared, highlighting the significance of encouraging children to express themselves. Markle’s efforts reflect her commitment to gender equality, as she believes this can create ripples of change within communities.
After delivering her remarks, Meghan humorously mentioned feeling liberated being surrounded by such welcoming energy. She noted, "There’s something so liberate about being yourself and surrounded by people excited to see you as you are," which struck a chord with many attendees.
Meghan's speech was well-received, but not without interruption—an activist heckled the Colombian Vice President during the event, sparking conversations about urgent social issues. Markle's reaction appeared light-hearted, as she chuckled at the unexpected moment, showcasing her ability to handle such disruptions gracefully.
This incident highlighted the passion surrounding discussions of rights, as Colombia continues to push for social equality. The dynamics of this event illustrated how leaders and activists interact and support each other’s missions.
During their Colombian visit, Meghan and Harry engaged with local communities, including visiting Cartagena, where they explored the rich culture and history. They also participated at the vibrant Petronio Alvarez Festival, which celebrates Afro-Colombian music and culture, showcasing Colombia's diverse heritage.
Markle reflected positively on the experience, stating, "This trip was like a dream come true because here I can feel the community, and this feeling is the best in the world." Throughout their travels, they’ve sought to understand the cultural backgrounds different communities carry.
Security measures were heightened during the conference, with extensive police presence and roadblocks ensuring the safety of attendees. This level of precautions signifies the importance of the events and the discussions they aim to champion.
Markle's remarks at the conference and the overall message of empowering Afro women echoed strongly within the local and international communities. Their visit was not just about appearances but aimed at creating lasting dialogues around empowerment and advocacy.
Overall, Meghan Markle's trip to Colombia served as both a high-profile visit and as a call to action for young girls, reminding them of their strength and the importance of their voices. Neither she nor Prince Harry shied away from presenting their mission to uplift communities both at home and abroad.
