Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has once again demonstrated her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world stage. During a recent visit to Ethiopia, the 58-year-old royal lent her voice to two critical causes, highlighting her dedication to global humanitarian efforts.
Supporting Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
Sophie embarked on a mission to Tigray, Ethiopia, where she joined forces with UNICEF to raise awareness about an issue of paramount importance – supporting women who have been victims of sexual violence during times of conflict and war. Her visit serves as a powerful testament to her long-standing dedication to addressing conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and gender-based violence.
The Duchess has been a staunch advocate of the Prevention of Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) and has consistently stood with survivors of CRSV. Her commitment extends beyond rhetoric as she has extensively traveled the world to bear witness to their harrowing stories and experiences.
One of the impactful highlights of her trip was a visit to the Sabacare IDP Camp in northern Ethiopia. This camp, home to more than 16,000 Internally Displaced Persons, offers refuge to a significant number of women and girls. At Ayder Hospital’s One Stop Centre (OSC) for survivors of gender-based violence, Sophie had the opportunity to observe the comprehensive medical and counseling treatments provided to hundreds of women amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
In addition to her hospital visit, Sophie paid a visit to the Women’s Development Centre, an organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable women, many of whom are survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. The centre equips them with the skills necessary for independent and secure employment.
During her time at the camp, Sophie engaged in skilled sewing activities with the women and also visited a child-friendly space, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to play, learn, and thrive.
A Dual Mission: Vision Health
Sophie’s visit to Ethiopia isn’t solely dedicated to addressing issues of sexual violence. As the Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), she is passionately involved in supporting vision health initiatives. Her mission in Ethiopia celebrates the outstanding work of the international eye care charity, Orbis, in combating trachoma – a blinding eye disease that impacts many.
During her visit, Sophie interacted with specialists, case workers, and government representatives, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of eye health interventions. She also spent time with patients whose sight had been restored, symbolizing hope and progress in the fight against trachoma. Sophie’s itinerary included a visit to a school where children were educated on essential practices such as face washing and proper hygiene to safeguard themselves against trachoma. This visit aligned with World Sight Day, observed on October 12.
Furthermore, Sophie will participate in a conference where delegates from various sectors will exchange insights and collaborate on strategies to eliminate trachoma entirely.
A Legacy of Compassion and Impact
Sophie’s global endeavors often revolve around sight and blindness-related issues. From advocating for proper nutrition and diabetes awareness in Bangladesh to showing compassion to visually impaired students in Malawi, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to making a tangible difference.
The Duchess, known for her remarkable ability to connect with individuals across cultures and languages, leaves an enduring impact wherever she goes. Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, continues to inspire with her unwavering commitment to critical causes, illuminating the path toward a better world.
