Prince Harry and Meghan meet with Afro-Colombian leaders to wrap up their first visit to Colombia

CALI, Colombia (AP) — Prince Harry and his spouse Meghan wrapped up their go to to Colombia on Sunday by collaborating in a discussion board on the challenges going through girls of African descent as they take part in politics.

The couple additionally met with younger folks as a part of a standard music pageant within the Pacific coast metropolis of Cali.

The tour by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex started Thursday on the invitation of Vice President Francia Márquez, Colombia’s first Black vice chairman. The go to has been outlined by cultural and social causes, consistent with the couple’s help of the Archewell Basis, a nonprofit group.

Surrounded by the Afro-influenced sounds of drums, saxophones, marimbas and poetry, the couple sat within the entrance row listening to reflections from Black leaders at a discussion board known as “Afro Ladies and Energy.”

“I can really feel this embrace from Colombia. It’s unbelievable, thanks very a lot,” the Duchess of Sussex stated in Spanish to the discussion board of Afro-Colombian girls and leaders, revealing that she discovered the language 20 years in the past.

The function of leaders implies working “to cut back inequality and poverty” in Black communities, panelist Ana Granja stated in describing challenges for feminine leaders in Colombia. She stated the battle of Black girls to take part in politics is extra complicated due to racism and discrimination.

“Our residing circumstances make us robust, courageous girls,” Colombia’s vice chairman added. Márquez requested the couple to generate monetary help and strengthen social applications for ladies affected by gender violence and youth.

The occasion’s goal was to indicate the work “to revive dignity to ethnic peoples” and promote actions for the event and welfare of ladies, youngsters and adolescents, the vice chairman stated.

A day earlier, Harry and his spouse visited two cities acknowledged for preserving their African roots. They met with communities and their leaders in cities like San Basilio de Palanque in Cartagena, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Their journey has included participation in a discussion board on digital safety in Colombia’s capital, Bogota, the place they advocated for psychological well being and the struggle in opposition to cyberbullying of youngsters and teenagers. In addition they visited a college and met with navy members and veterans affected by many years of inner conflicts in Colombia.