The duch*ess of Sussex spent her final day in Colombia speaking on-stage at an event that brought together Afro-Colombian women.
Meghan joined the Afro-Descendant Women and Power: Voices of Equity summit, which headlined Afro-Colombian women leaders across industries speaking on the daily challenges that they face due to racism, gender bias and financial discrimination.
For the panel appearance, Meghan wore a white sleeveless shirt from Mango, a sequin embroidered pencil skirt from the Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi, magenta Manolo Blahnik heels, and gold earrings, continuing the effortless style streak she's had during her and Prince Harry’s four-day tour of Colombia. The earrings were a special gift from Vice President Francia Márquez, handmade by artisans in the Chocó region of Colombia using a generational design technique called “filigrana”.
The event kicked off at Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura with a panel discussion featuring leaders from Cali’s coastal community, who spoke on how Afro-Colombian women can continue to uplift and empower each other even in the face of daily challenges. The event also featured musical performances from recording artists Cynthia Montano and Nidia Sofia Góngora, who provided lively energy to the afternoon and had the duch*ess and the vice president shimmying in their seats.
Meghan later joined Francia Márquez and Binaifer Nowrojee on-stage for the final panel of the day, where they shared how uplifting the voices of women has propelled their own work.
“Because we are in your country, my husband and I can feel this embrace from Colombia — it’s incredible,” said Meghan, beginning her remarks in Spanish. “The culture, the history — all of it — was a dream. This trip was a dream. I can feel this community and this is the feeling that is the best thing right now.”
Ensuring that women and girls are heard, respected, and recognised throughout all facets of life is one of the driving forces behind running the Archewell Foundation with her husband, Meghan said.
“I’m very, very fortunate that at a young age I was able to feel as though my voice was being heard – and that’s a luxury that a lot of young girls and women aren’t often afforded,” she said. “For us and the work we do with Archewell, and the work we do as parents and me as a mother, is ensuring that young girls feel that their voices are heard and young boys are raised to learn how to listen to girls as well. The role of men in this is crucial — and my husband is an example of this.”
The duch*ess also shared that she feels constantly inspired by two important female figures in her life: her mother, Doria Ragland, and her three-year-old daughter, Lilibet. “I find inspiration in the strong women around me, of course my mother being one of them. So much of how I approach things is less about the fight, and more about how we show up in a space and wash things over with love and kindness and generosity,” she said. “Those are the elements that inspire me. I know how it feels when you don’t utilise your voice when you need to be heard or have something to say. I encourage our daughter to do so — who, at three, has absolutely found her voice, and we are so proud of that.”
Towards the end of the event, Meghan and other panelists shared what they’re most looking forward to as they continue down the long road of work ahead of them.
“I’m looking at this time as my chapter of joy. The more you are able to look at your life and really, truly recognise and be able to be grateful for your life — you have to be grateful for all aspects of it,” she said. “My intentionality is to enjoy this chapter and be able to love through every piece of this as best we can.”
Meghan also expressed her gratitude to how warmly Colombia welcomed her and her husband.
“There is something so liberating about being comfortable in yourself and be in your own skin and be in a space that is excited to see you exactly the way you are,” she concluded.
Harper’s Bazaar is on the ground with the Sussexes as they embark on their four-day visit to Colombia. Check back for more exclusive details.
From: Harper's BAZAAR US
