In a heartfelt and inspiring conclusion to her four-day tour of Colombia, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, spoke candidly about her life’s current chapter, which she described as a “chapter of joy,” while emphasizing the importance of empowering women. During the “Afro-Descendant Women and Power: Voices of Equity” summit, held at the Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura in Cali, the Duchess shared her thoughts on personal growth, gratitude, and her commitment to female empowerment.

The summit, which focused on the leadership and experiences of Afro-Colombian women, provided Meghan with a platform to discuss the challenges of racism, gender bias, and the critical role women’s voices play in society. Addressing the audience, Meghan reflected on her own journey, stating, “The more that you are able to look at your life and really, truly recognize that if you’re going to be grateful for your life, you have to be grateful for all aspects of it—the parts that were opportunities for growth and may have felt really difficult, as well as the parts that feel inspiring, joyful, and full.”

Meghan also highlighted the importance of being intentional about embracing life’s various stages. “My intentionality is to enjoy this chapter and to be able to move through every piece of that as best as I can,” she remarked, underscoring her focus on well-being and personal growth.

The summit was attended by influential figures such as Binaifer Nowrojee and Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez, who, alongside Meghan, discussed the significant impact women’s voices have had on their lives. In a memorable moment, Meghan addressed the audience in Spanish, expressing her deep appreciation for the warm welcome she and Prince Harry received in Colombia. “Because we are in your country, my husband and I can feel this embrace from Colombia—it’s incredible,” she said, adding, “The culture, the history—all of it—was a dream. This trip was a dream.”

Drawing from her personal experiences, Meghan spoke about how her early life shaped her dedication to female empowerment, a value that is central to the work of the Archewell Foundation, which she co-founded with Prince Harry. “I was very, very fortunate [that] at a young age to feel as though my voice was being heard, and I think that’s a luxury that a lot of young girls and women aren’t often afforded,” she shared.

Expanding on the foundation’s mission, Meghan emphasized the need for young girls to feel heard and for boys to be raised to listen. “For us and the work that we do with the Archewell Foundation, and certainly the work we do as parents, as I do as a mother, is ensuring that young girls feel as though their voices are being heard, and also that young boys are being raised to listen and to hear those young women, as well.”

Meghan also acknowledged the vital role men play in supporting and empowering women, noting that it is essential for men to be allies from a young age through adulthood. She expressed her admiration for the strong women in her life, particularly her mother, Doria Ragland, and her young daughter, Princess Lilibet, who, at just three years old, “has found her voice.”

Reflecting on her approach to life and advocacy, Meghan said, “So much of how I approach things is through the lens of less about the fight—that’s not interesting to me—and more about how do we show up in a space and wash things over with love and kindness and generosity?”

As Meghan Markle continues her “chapter of joy,” her message of gratitude, empowerment, and intentionality resonates as she inspires others to embrace life’s challenges with grace and purpose.