Sophie to support UK’s work helping victims of rape and sexual violence in war

The Countess of Wessex has publicly committed herself to supporting the UK’s work helping victims of rape, sexual violence and exploitation in war.

Sophie will be championing the efforts of individuals such as actress and UNHCR special envoy Angelina Jolie and former foreign secretary Lord Hague, who were instrumental in launching the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI).

She made her announcement on International Women’s Day during a Buckingham Palace reception when she also stated she would champion the nation’s action plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

The countess told her guests, who included leading figures on the issue: “As someone who firmly believes in the equality of men and women, I feel drawn to your cause and to do what I can to help raise further awareness of our work.

“To help give voice to women and girls who are being denied their fundamental rights as humans and are being subjected to harm and violence as a result of conflict, to promote those who seek to play a part in finding peace, and to support others as they attempt to rebuild their lives.

“Therefore I am publicly committing myself to doing what I can to champion and support WPS and PSVI and make this a central pillar of my work in the coming months and years.”

Sophie has been working in other fields to promote women, having founded the Women’s Network Forum in 2014, which she chairs.

It brings together a cross-industry group of senior representatives from a variety of organisations and businesses to champion and promote gender balance and equality in the workplace.

She went on to tell her palace guests: “Since last year I have been attending a number of conferences, meetings and events, and have encountered some extraordinary people during this time.

“People like yourselves who are devoted to doing what they can to tackle these issues, from UK Government representatives to the international diplomatic community, from academics to survivors.

“Whether their role be encouraging governments to do more to prevent violence being used as a weapon of war, or working to bring justice to the survivors of brutality, or supporting the many NGOs and agencies working to help women and girls rebuild and retake control of their shattered lives, the level of effort is widespread, but as yet it is sadly still not enough and we all know that so much more needs to be done.”