
Princess Mary of Denmark continues fight for women's rights in West Africa
Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark is continuing to advocate for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls in West Africa, and visited the region this week. The 44-year-old was joined by Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen, with whom she had to cancel the trip earlier this year.
The Crown Princess and Kristian were initially due to visit Burkina Faso in January, but were forced to pull out following a terror attack in Ouagadougou. But this week they were finally able to meet the women and children who are so underrepresented.
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Speaking ahead of the trip, Kristian said: "I'm very pleased that the Crown Princess, who is deeply engaged in women's health, and I have managed to depart for Burkina Faso. Denmark supports Burkina Faso because it is one of the world's poorest nations in which thousands of women die in connection with pregnancy and birth every year. It's completely unacceptable that women are dying in 2016 while giving new life."
Along with its work to improve childbirth for women, Denmark also focuses on violence against women and gender equality in the nation.
In pictures from the crucial visit, the Crown Princess can be seen cradling an adorable baby and chatting animatedly with some women. Despite the nature of the trip, she managed to look chic but relaxed in a loose-fitting purple top and cropped black trousers before changing into a cute paisley-print dress.
Unsurprisingly, the Danish royal's arrival attracted the attention of almost everybody in Burkina Faso, and she happily chatted with locals before dealing with the task at hand.