The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie Helen, is in Kenya to champion the role women play in preventing and resolving conflicts.
Sophie, who flew into the country after a two-day visit to Somalia, will also be celebrating Kenyan women leaders across various sectors, including security, peacebuilding, and business.
According to her itinerary released by the British High Commission in Nairobi, Her Royal Highness will meet President William Ruto to discuss ongoing cooperation under the UK–Kenya Strategic Partnership.
”Discussions will include support for women building peace and stability, the importance of women in decision making and the Government of Kenya’s efforts to implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda through its National Action Plan. In addition, the Duchess will engage senior women leaders in the Kenyan Government”, the statement said.
Speaking on the arrival of The Duchess, UK Chargé d’Affaires, Dr Ed Barnett said: “The United Kingdom is proud to stand alongside Kenya in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Women are driving peace, stability and economic progress in every part of this country, and their leadership is essential to resilient communities and inclusive growth. This visit reflects our shared commitment to making women central to the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership – we’re going far, together.”
The Duchess will also engage with women business leaders and entrepreneurs and will see how Kenyan businesswomen are breaking the glass ceiling in the business sector.
The Duchess will meet women peacebuilders working at the heart of community resilience to understand the central role women play in preventing and resolving conflict, bridging community divides, and strengthening local stability.
This will include Sudanese women peace builders to highlight the impact of conflict-related sexual violence on women and girls, as well as advocating for better protections, justice and accountability.
“The visit provides an important platform to champion the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Kenya as well as to recognise women’s leadership in all aspects of the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership”, the British High Commission added.
Sophie completed a two-day visit to Somalia, at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to draw attention to the ongoing issue of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in the region and highlight the voices of survivors.
EXPLAINER
The visit will focus on three key objectives:
- Strengthening UK–Kenya collaboration on Women, Peace and Security, including implementation of Kenya’s National Action Plan.
- Championing the role of women peacebuilders in resolving conflict and building peace
- Highlighting the vital role of Kenyan women in leadership and decision-making, including on regional security and stability, particularly in areas affected by climate change and border instability.
