The Duchess of Edinburgh completed a two-day visit to Somalia, traveling to Mogadishu from 23 to 24 February to promote her long-standing work on women’s rights and conflict.
At a private meeting at Villa Somalia, she was welcomed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, where the pair discussed the central role of women in peace building, community resilience and accountability for sexual and gender-based violence.
The Duchess praised Somalia’s National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security.
During her visit, she met survivors of conflict-related sexual violence at Uganda House and heard first-hand accounts of atrocities committed by al-Shabaab.
The royal also visited a village in Lower Shabelle and spoke to 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 Center shared the challenges of operating amid ongoing conflict, drought and limited resources.
At a Mogadishu hospital, the Duchess observed the impact of a UK-funded sexual and reproductive health program currently running across 39 facilities, and saw first-hand how support for survivors is delivered on the ground.
The visit came ahead of International Women’s Day and reinforced the Duchess’s dedication to championing women’s leadership and protection.
