Why Meghan Markle Must Use ‘Care And Sensitivity’ During African Tour

Meghan Markle is a feminist, so expect her to advocate for women’s rights during the royal tour this fall. However, the Duchess of Sussex has been warned to be mindful of how she approaches her activism in South Africa.

Professor Amanda Gouws of Stellenbosch University, located in South Africa, told Express that Meghan should speak in support of local women. The professor said South Africa has the highest incidence of rape in the world, and gender-based violence is a hot topic right now. However, Meghan should be careful not to preach and be aware of her position as an outsider.

“It would be helpful for her to become involved, but it has to be done with care and sensitivity,” Gouws told the outlet. “One way to really upset South Africans is when the ‘global north’ comes to lecture us about what we are doing wrong and how much better it could be if we were more like them. She has to link the problem to the global condition and if she does this, it could be a very helpful way of raising the subject of very high levels of gender-based violence which the women of South Africa have to live with day by day.”

Activist Fatima Shabodien, of the Faith Foundation, had a similar outlook and recommended that the Duchess of Sussex take some time to get to know the women in South Africa.

“She should consult with people who live these experiences, in private if that's necessary,” Shabodien told Express. “We welcome her if she approaches us respectfully, but we don't want to be told what to do by anyone.”

The Sussexes revealed a number of organizations they’ll be working with during the royal tour. One is Gogo Olive, which creates jobs for Zimbabwean women who knit. Meghan and Harry’s Instagram has confirmed that they will focus on women’s rights as well.

“Their Royal Highnesses will embark on this official tour focusing on community, grassroots leadership, women’s and girls’ rights, mental health, HIV/AIDS and the environment,” a post read.

While Harry goes off to Malawi, Angola and Botswana, Meghan will stick to South Africa. It sounds like she is taking the advice and planning to hear from local women directly. “The Duchess will be working with local organizations to promote women and girls’ health and education, entrepreneurship and leadership,” the post added.

Meghan has been an outspoken feminist since long before she and Harry got together. She famously contacted Procter & Gamble after a dish soap commercial claimed, “Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans.” At age 11, Meghan wrote a letter asking that the line change “women” to “people” to avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes. The company listened and changed the commercial.