The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Somalia and Kenya

Somalia

The Duchess of Edinburgh has 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. Her Royal Highness’s programme focused on the crucial role women play in peacebuilding, strengthening community resilience and supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. 

Visiting Mogadishu from Monday 23rd to Tuesday 24th February, The Duchess met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Villa Somalia and afterwards joined his daughter Jihan Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to meet survivors of conflict-related sexual violence perpetrated by al Shabaab. 

In Lower Shabelle, Her Royal Highness visited a Somali village to meet the wives of Somali forces who explained the dangers posed by al-Shabaab and the challenges they face while their husbands fight for a more secure and stable Somalia. 

Visiting a hospital in the centre of Mogadishu, The Duchess learnt about the impact of a UK-supported sexual and reproductive health service programme operating across 39 health facilities in regions affected by insecurity and displacement. 

Her Royal Highness heard how the International Rescue Committee supports existing services to reduce the stigma and fear associated with seeking care after sexual and gender-based violence. Her Royal Highness met survivors who spoke about the impact of female genital mutilation, rape and sexual assault on Somali women, and the importance of being able to access vital services. 

The Duchess also met Somali organisations and NGOs to learn about the challenges of the environment they operate in, with conflict, drought and shortage of resources exacerbating the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence. Her Royal Highness heard about grassroots efforts to support survivors and work for a more stable Somalia.

Travelling outside Nairobi, The Duchess joined women peacebuilders for a discussion on community resilience in a region facing climate shocks and resource pressures.

Her Royal Highness heard from women who shared their experiences, from mediating village disputes to keeping early environmental warning systems alive. 

Concluding The Duchess’s visit to Kenya, Her Royal Highness laid wreaths at the graves of two British soldiers at a Commonwealth War Graves site.

Kenya

Following her visit to Somalia, The Duchess travelled on to Kenya for a further two-day visit to recognise the role women play in preventing and resolving conflicts, and to celebrate Kenyan women-leaders across sectors including security, peacebuilding and business.

In Nairobi, Her Royal Highness met President William Rutton at State House. 

Afterwards, The Duchess visited social enterprise Kazuri Beads to meet artisans and discuss the link between creative skills and economic independence. 

Meeting Kenyan businesswomen and leaders, Her Royal Highness joined discussions on the community-wide benefits of resilience and stability that come from women’s economic empowerment. 

While in Nairobi, Her Royal Highness also met Sudanese women peacebuilders who are advocating for better protections, justice and support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

The Duchess later celebrated women in leadership roles at a reception hosted by the British High Commission, ahead of International Women’s Day in March. 

Travelling outside Nairobi, The Duchess met Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jiir, at the Governor's Office in Wajir to discuss the challenges of climate change in the region, with water and resource scarcity driving instability.

Her Royal Highness later joined women peacebuilders for a discussion on community resilience in a region facing climate shocks and resource pressures. 

Her Royal Highness heard from women who will share their experiences, from mediating village disputes to keeping early environmental warning systems alive. 

Concluding The Duchess’s visit to Kenya, Her Royal Highness laid wreaths at the graves of two British soldiers at a Commonwealth War Graves site.