Queen Camilla issues new statement on 'daunting task' at Women of the World palace reception
The queen hosted some celebrities at the palace on TuesdayQueen Camilla hosted a reception in honour of Women of the World at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
Women of the World (WOW) is a global network of festivals which champion gender equality. It celebrates the achievements of women and girls everywhere.
Queen Camilla has been president of WOW since 2015 and has supported the cause since its launch in 2010.
On Tuesday, the queen, 77, gave a speech to the reception guests on the challenges women and young girls face.
Queen Camilla gives speech at Women of the World reception
Many famous guests attended the reception including Victoria Beckham, Ruth Jones and Jill Scott to mark WOW’s 15th anniversary.
In a speech, Queen Camilla said since she became president it has been a “very special fixture in my diary to host all of you each March, on or around International Women’s Day”.
As we look forward to the next 15 years, the task of forging a gender-equal world is a daunting one.
She continued: “Without fail, wherever WOW gathers, I have met the most extraordinary and impressive women who have, quite simply, refused to take ‘no’ for an answer.
“Some of them have a significant public profile. Others can’t be named because the work that they do would put their lives, or the lives of those whom they support, in danger. All of them have faced obstacles that could easily have intimidated them into a silent resignation to the status quo.”
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Camilla details ‘daunting task’ at Buckingham Palace reception
The queen went on to say: “As we look forward to the next 15 years, the task of forging a gender-equal world is a daunting one.
“At the current rate, globally, it will take an estimated 286 years to remove discriminatory laws, 140 years for women to hold half the positions of leadership in the workplace and 47 years to be represented equally in national parliaments.”
Queen Camilla added: “But by following in the footsteps of these amazing women and girls who will not take ‘no’ for an answer, we members of the WOW family fervently hope that this will be achieved in a much shorter time.
“Seeing you all here, I am filled with confidence that, together, we can make sure this happens! Thank you.”
What Women of the World does
Women of the World celebrates the achievements of women and girls. It also looks at the obstacles that stop them from fulfilling their potential.
Queen Camilla has been a longstanding support of empowering women. Royal fans have gushed over Camilla’s involvement with WOW.
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One person said on Instagram: “Love seeing Her Majesty supporting such an important cause. Empowering women changes everything!”
Another added: “What a powerful speech Her Majesty delivered again.”
What do you think of Queen Camilla’s speech? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial and let us know.
