On her second day of travel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Countess Sophie had a life-changing day.
The Countess of Wessex visited with members of the City of Joy program, a neighborhood initiative that assists victims of crime and gives them the tools they need to overcome their trauma, acquire confidence, and serve as leaders in their neighborhoods. V-Day, a group and movement working to end violence against women and girls, is in charge of the program.
Sophie chose a cheerful outfit for her engagement day that included a white sundress with a vibrant floral motif and white espadrille shoes. She wore light blue crystal earrings and a pendant necklace as part of her gold jewelry ensemble. She matched her colorful outfit with a gentle pink manicure and her diamond engagement ring.
The monarch also went to the Panzi Hospital, which specializes in treating victims of conflict-related sexual violence, on Tuesday in Bukavu, the capital of the Sud-Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The care provided to moms of children born as a result of sexual assault was discussed during Sophie’s tour of the medical facility. She also spoke with the doctors assisting in the survivors’ rehabilitation, spent time with the survivors now receiving care, and met the foundation’s founder and medical director, Dr. Denis Mukwege.
After that, Sophie went to the Panzi Foundation, which offers assistance to survivors so they can start over and hold their perpetrators accountable. The countess was pictured working alongside female survivors in a textiles workshop.
Sophie is the first member of the British royal family to travel to Congo. Her visit comes ahead of the International Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative Conference in London, which is being hosted by the U.K. government in November.
