The visit follows The Countess's announcement on International Women's Day that she would champion women’s full and meaningful participation in peace processes.

This week, The Countess of Wessex attended the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations in New York.

Working across different governments, The Commission on the Status of Women is the principal and global body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

The CSW promotes women’s rights and documents the reality of women’s lives throughout the world. It also helps shape global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

During her visit, The Countess met with survivors, advocates and UN representatives to learn more about what is being done across the world to support women resolving conflict and building peace at a grassroots level.

Last week, on International Women's Day 2019, The Countess formally pledged her support to further the UK efforts on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS) and the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI).

In New York, The Countess made a speech at the President of the General Assembly's 'Women in Power' event.

We have a responsibility to ensure that women have every opportunity to reach the highest levels of their profession and lead across political, economic and social spheres. In the societies we live in today, there is no excuse not to include women.

In Her Royal Highness' speech, The Countess spoke about the challenges facing women’s participation and leadership and the global responsibility to help give these women a voice. Read the speech in full.

The Countess also reaffirmed her commitment to champion women’s full and meaningful participation in peace processes.

It has made me even more determined to use my position to break down the silence around sexual violence, and I will champion women’s full and meaningful participation in peace processes, as part of my wider support for implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

During her time in New York, The Countess also attended a Commonwealth Day Reception to mark the 70th anniversary of the Commonwealth. Read the speech here.

We take huge pride in being a part of this incredible family of nations headed by Her Majesty The Queen, who has been stalwart in her leadership, taking a close personal interest for many years and instilling the whole family with the same respect and interest she has shown throughout her reign.

Find out more of The Countess of Wessex's work here..