Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is using her profile for an incredibly important cause as she speaks out against sexual violence amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 55-year-old royal featured in an emotional new clip shared to the Royal Family’s official Instagram page, where she spoke of the issue that’s lasted for far too long, and has the potential to be exacerbated due to the current pandemic.
In the emotional clip, Sophie makes a plea to the United Nations for their virtual event which coincided with the sixth International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
Sophie also spoke of her fear that the COVID-19 crisis has worsened the situation.
“Since the pandemic began the number of cases of sexual violence across conflict settings and in domestic settings are very likely to have risen substantially,” she told them.
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“Women and girls once again are being affected disproportionately, with increased difficulties in accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare, higher numbers of maternal deaths and teenage pregnancies, closures of domestic violence shelters, closure of schools, reduction in aid work and funds for charities, delays in relief packages.
COVID-19 has amplified suffering with the restrictions imposed on survivors,” she said.
Sophie of Wessex shared a plea with the UN in an emotional new clip.
(Twitter)She stressed that action needs to take place now, and no later as time is already “against the victims”.
“Therefore it is imperative that National Action Plans are implemented or where possible even accelerated,” she continued.
“But importantly in the course of our action we must ensure all responses are best geared to them.”
She finished: “My message, therefore, today is simple, and I hope I may speak for all survivors of conflict-related sexual violence when I say: we must listen to the needs and wishes of all survivors and we must act accordingly.”
The Countess has long been involved with charities working to help those affected by sexual violence, as well as working to eliminate it.
In fact, back in 2018, Sophie worked closely with the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative alongside the likes of Angelina Jolie, with whom she attended a film festival named Fighting Stigma through Film in London.
She even wrote a piece for the Telegraph at the same time speaking out against sexual violence.
“Only when women and men work alongside each other as equals will the world see sustained improvement in conflict resolution and a reduction in sexual violence in conflict,” she said.
The Countess has been making her voice heard amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Getty)Sophie has been working hard behind the scenes throughout lockdown, using her profile as best she can to shine a light on issues and causes that are most important to her.
At the start of lockdown, she shared an eloquent message of support to parents who were struggling with the reality of homeschooling their child.
A few months in, Sophie began volunteering with local communities, helping to pack and cook food for people who needed it most during this turbulent time.
There’s no denying she’s an incredible force to be reckoned with. If you haven’t already, it’s about time to listen to what she has to say.
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