The Duchess of Edinburgh made a two-day visit to Somalia, traveling to Mogadishu from February 23-24 to advance her long-standing work for women’s rights and conflict recovery.
In a private meeting at Villa Somalia, she was hosted by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, where the two men discussed the central role of women in peacebuilding, community resilience and accountability when it comes to sexual and gender-based violence.
The Duchess welcomed Somalia’s National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security.
During her visit, she met with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence at Uganda House and heard first-hand accounts of atrocities carried out by al-Shabaab.
The king also visited a village in Lower Shabelle, speaking with the wives of Somali soldiers about the daily risks they face as their husbands work to ensure stability in the region.
Local organizations, including the Ifrah Foundation, ALIGHT Somali Women’s Leadership Initiative and the Somali Women Study Centre, shared the challenges of operating amid ongoing conflict, drought and limited resources.
At a hospital in Mogadishu, the Duchess observed the impact of a UK-funded sexual and reproductive health program currently underway in 39 facilities, seeing first-hand how support for survivors is provided on the ground.
The visit took place ahead of International Women’s Day and reinforced the Duchess’s commitment to championing women’s leadership and protection.
