At the Afro Women and Power Conference held in Cali, Colombia, a significant event aimed at celebrating the contributions of Afro-Colombian women and addressing the challenges they face, an unexpected appearance by Meghan Markle stirred considerable controversy.
The conference took place at the Enrique Bu of Insura Municipal Theater and was a vital gathering for the Afro-Colombian community, focusing on empowerment and the ongoing struggles faced by Afro-Colombian women in a society characterized by racial and gender inequalities.
Meghan Markle, known globally as the Duchess of Sussex and wife of Prince Harry, made a surprise visit to the conference. Her intention was to engage with the audience through a series of speeches delivered in both English and Spanish. Markle, who has previously addressed issues of race and gender, sought to align her message with the themes of the conference and expressed admiration for local customs and traditions. Despite her efforts, her presence was met with unexpected hostility from the audience. Heckling and shouting began during her address, escalating the tension in the room.
The situation intensified when a question about transgender rights was directed at Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez, which interrupted Markle's speech. Márquez, a prominent figure in Colombian politics and an advocate for Afro-Colombian rights, responded with calm and poise, affirming the conference’s inclusive focus on all women, including transgender women. While Márquez's response was well-received, the disruption had already fueled significant unrest.
Critics quickly condemned Markle’s involvement, accusing her of prioritizing her public image and linguistic abilities over a genuine understanding of the struggles faced by Afro-Colombian women. Her appearance was perceived by some as emblematic of modern-day colonialism—a symbol of privilege and disconnect rather than true solidarity. The audience’s reaction, marked by open hostility, highlighted their frustration with what many viewed as an attempt to co-opt a platform intended for marginalized voices.
This incident has ignited widespread debate about Markle’s intentions and her ability to authentically connect with underrepresented communities. Many critics argue that her participation was more about advancing her personal brand than about providing genuine support to the Afro-Colombian community. The role of the Archewell Foundation, the nonprofit organization founded by Markle and Prince Harry, has also come under scrutiny. Some question whether the foundation’s involvement was a strategic move to promote its own agenda rather than to empower the local community.
The backlash against Markle underscores broader issues of representation and the delicate balance between advocacy and exploitation. Although Markle may have intended to demonstrate solidarity with Afro-Colombian women, the execution of her involvement was perceived as clumsy and out of touch, leading to a significant disconnect between her message and the audience’s reception. Consequently, the conference, which was meant to celebrate and elevate the voices of Afro-Colombian women, was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Markle’s appearance, raising critical questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of her advocacy efforts.
