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    'When a women is empowered it changes absolutely everything in the community'

    Jenny Proudfoot's avatar
    By Jenny Proudfoot
    Published 1 October 2019 In Features

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    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been making non-stop news on their 10-day trip of Africa, from their breaking protocol to baby Archie's first tour appearance.

    But while Prince Harry and baby Archie have been making waves, it's Meghan Markle that has really got people talking, never missing an opportunity to stand up for gender equality and speak out against gender-based violence, even making a touching visit to the memorial of Uyinene Mrwetyana.

    Today, Meghan was it at it again, making a surprise trip to the University of Johannesburg to champion women’s education.

    'When a women is empowered it changes absolutely everything in the community,' the Duchess told students and academics, as she announced three new Gender Grants, according to HELLO!. 'The goal here is to be able to have gender equality, to be able to support women as they are working in research and higher education role.'

    A photo posted by on

    'This morning, The Duchess of Sussex went back to college!', Sussex Royal announced to Instagram. 'Joining students and educators at The University of Johannesburg The Duchess was able to announce a new series of gender grants from the Association of Commonwealth Universities, of which she is patron.

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    'She was also able to announce four new scholarships to help students study in different commonwealth countries, allowing cross cultural understanding and an opportunity to deepen their educational studies abroad.'

    The post continued: 'One of the recipients of these grants shared his story of growing up on farmland in Kenya, where he paid for his education trading vegetables to cover schooling costs (cauliflower leaves to be exact!) He is now doing a research study on carcinogens in his country, its link to cancer - his work is helping to change practices and to save lives.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    'The Duchess was so moved by the work being done across the education sector and to talk with such like-minded thinkers about the importance of access to education and the support needed internally.'

    The post concluded: 'When the round table discussion this morning moved to the challenges faced in this sector and how daunting it can all seem, The Duchess said, “Sometimes access to education can seem so big, you wonder where to even begin? So you begin with one student, or one school, you simply begin. And that’s when we see change.” She continued by referencing a Martin Luther King Jr quote: “Take the first step... you don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Since the ACU Gender Grants were launch in 2016, 28 universities in 17 countries have benefited with a minimum of 600 beneficiaries participating in workshops supported by the grants.'

    Keep up the good work Meghan!

    Jenny Proudfoot
    Jenny Proudfoot
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    Contributing Features Editor

    Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. After working at Marie Claire UK for seven years - rising from intern to Features Editor - she is now a freelance contributor to the News and Features section.

    In 2021, Jenny was named as a winner on the PPA's '30 under 30' list, and was also listed as a rising star in journalism.

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