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Published 15:30 IST, September 22nd 2019

Meghan Markle to speak out on 'gender violence' in South Africa

Duchess of Sussex is devising to raise the issue of gender violence during her royal tour in Cape Town, just hours after arriving with Prince Harry and her son

Reported by: Aanchal Nigam
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Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, will speak about the issue of violence against women in South Africa on September 23. The Duchess is devising to raise the issue of gender violence during her royal tour in Cape Town, just hours after arriving with Prince Harry and her son, Archie. During a 10-day royal tour to Africa, the royal couple is set to visit the deprived township on the first morning itself. Recently, there have many reports of females getting killed in the country that have also fueled numerous national protests. 

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The Royal Tour

The Royal couple will start the tour on September 23. Reportedly, it has been deemed “strange” for the royal couple to not address the current climate change keeping in mind their official programme and the duchess is all about the women and their issues. The Buckingham Palace had revealed earlier about the tour in a township in Cape Town. They will also witness the children workshops on their rights, self-awareness, and safety. Purportedly, the fans might also get a glimpse of their son during the tour. However, there is no mention of the child in the official schedule. Prince Harry will also make a trip to Angola to see her late mother's legacy to raise awareness for the threat posed by landmines in 1997. According to the Palace, Prince Harry is eager to support the young people across Africa in order to reach their potential.

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Women in South Africa

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the rate of women being attacked and murdered in South Africa is five times the global average. Recently, more than 4,000 people attended the demonstrations wearing all black raising the issue of violence against women. The Royal family is usually seen sidelining the political issues of the countries they visit, however, this time they are all set to raise the issue of violence. This activism was renewed among the South Africans after a 19-year old girl was raped and murdered in August by an employee of the post office. The protesters demand funding by South Africa's corporate sector to fight gender-based violence. According to the South African Police Service statistics, nearly 41,000 cases of rape were registered in the 2018-19 financial year. 

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(With inputs from ANI)

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14:14 IST, September 22nd 2019