Duchess of Edinburgh welcomed to Community House

The Duchess of Edinburgh was welcomed to Community House by the President and First Lady and visited with survivors of gender-based violence. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit to Zambia this week sees Sophie represent the United Kingdom on a diplomatic level she is particularly known for. This is the Duchess’s second overseas trip this year on behalf of the UK. On Tuesday, Sophie met with the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema and First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, visited an art exhibition, and met with survivors of gender-based violence who are using creative expression as a means of empowerment, healing and advocacy.

Sophie’s day began early on Tuesday, first meeting with a group of prominent Zambian women business leaders who
shared their reflections on leadership, resilience and creating opportunities for the next generation. The Duchess heard how women are shaping Zambia’s economic future, taking on leadership roles across banking, investment, agriculture and manufacturing.

The Duchess then visited Jewel of Africa, a Zambian family business founded in 1992 that provides ethically sourced Zambian gemstones, with an emphasis on direct sourcing from Zambian mines, traceability and responsible supply chains. At the company, Sophie visited the workshop and learned about its operations, from manufacturing to cutting and polishing. Jewel of Africa’s partnership with the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has supported apprenticeship training and employment opportunities for young refugees, including women trained in gemstone cutting to internationally recognised standards. Jewel of Africa also supports the Jewel of Africa Soccer Academy, established in Lusaka in 2010, which uses football to engage vulnerable young people and provide positive opportunities.

In the afternoon, the Duchess of Edinburgh visited Imvelo Studios, where she met artists and survivors of gender-based violence who use creative expression for empowerment, healing and advocacy. The Duchess viewed an art exhibition at the studio, followed by a small-group discussion with the artists and survivors. Buckingham Palace noted that the discussions explored how art and storytelling can build confidence, resilience and community dialogue.

During the visit, Sophie also met representatives and advocates working to tackle gender-based violence at a governmental and grassroots level. The Duchess has long been passionate about supporting those who have faced gender-based violence, particularly in war-torn countries and areas. As in many countries, gender-based violence is a serious challenge in Zambia and a major barrier to gender equality.

The 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey found that 36% of women aged 15-49 had experienced physical violence since the age of 15, while 47% of married women had experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse from a partner. Child marriage rates are high, with nearly three in ten women aged 20-24 married before the age of 18.

Following the meetings at Imvelo Studios, Sophie arrived at Community House where she was officially welcomed by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema and First Lady Mutinta Hichilema. The Duchess sat for talks with the President before a gift exchange took place. It was noted by HELLO! that the Duchess gifted the Presidential Couple “fabric after it has been fashioned into a double-sided scarf backed with cashmere woven on the Isle of Elgin,” along with honey that was taken from the Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle hives as well as Sophie’s personal hive at Bagshot Park.

The Duchess of Edinburgh ended her second day in Zambia by joining students, educators, researchers, volunteers, UK alums and education partners at the British High Commissioner’s Residence to celebrate the people and institutions creating opportunities through learning. The evening reception highlighted education as one of the strongest and most enduring links between Zambia and the United Kingdom. During the event, the Duchess attended a performance by Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS).