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The Edinburghs

The Countess of Wessex honoured with prestigious award for work against sexual violence in conflict

The Countess of Wessex has been honoured with a prestigious award for her work to eradicate sexual violence in conflict.

The Countess was presented with the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award at a special ceremony at Georgetown University in Washington on December 5th 2022.

The other winners included Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine.

In a speech at the ceremony, the Countess of Wessex spoke of her pride in working alongside female activists, saying ”I listen to their voices, and I hear courage and commitment in every word. They work tirelessly without seeking recognition or accolade, moving heaven and earth to protect and support those in need.”

And she said women had to work harder for acceptance, even in vital areas, than men, adding ”no woman putting herself into that situation would ever do so without being extremely competent. And yet her credibility is challenged, while the capacity or the credentials of the men in the room are rarely in question.”

The Hillary Rodham Clinton Awards are presented annually by the US politician and former First Lady for outstanding leadership in promoting women’s rights and in securing a more peaceful world.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.