The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have called for an end to gender-based violence in South Africa, which has recently experienced a hike in violence against women.

Prince Harry and Meghan are in South Africa’s Cape Town on the second day of their two-day visit to the country.

“Touching on what your president said last week: No man is born to cause harm to women. This is learned behavior and a cycle that needs to be broken.” the Duke of Sussex said outside Nyanga Methodist Church in Cape Town.

Following the increase in cases of gender-based violence, President Ramaphosa pledged new laws to better protect the country’s women.

“To enhance the safety of women we are going to, as a matter of urgency, make the necessary amendments to our laws and policies to ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence are brought to book.” said the president.

The Duchess of Sussex also voiced her support for South African women, saying she had been following the developments closely.

“While I am here with my husband as a member of the royal family, I want you to know that … I am here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of colour and as your sister. I am here with you and I am here for you.”

This is the royal couple’s first official trip since the birth of their first child, Archie, who was born in May. It is also the first time Meghan is visiting South Africa.

The couple are on a 10-day trip which includes visits to four countries: South Africa, Botswana, Angola and Malawi. While Meghan and Archie will only visit South Africa, Harry will travel to the other three countries.

Source: CNN