Duchess of C

You’re right Suzie, William and Kate’s visit is a drop in the ocean really when we look at the terrible injustices perpetrated on women and girls in Pakistan, and the human rights issues in the country. I just hope it does some good, maybe the drip by drip approach. The whole country needs to be dragged into the 21st century re women’s rights, but that’s not going to happen. We are so lucky to be living in the west, we still have groups of men rapists, we still have inequality in salaries, but women and girls do enjoy equality in the west. Sadly some people who have come to live have brought their appalling attitudes with them, and as a result we also have ‘honour’ killings (dishonour in my opinion) and forced marriage, not to mention FGM. There is a long way to go in Pakistan, but we must not be complacent here in the UK.

Or am I missing something?

Yes. Lovely ones. Creamy and pink.

"English rose" has certain connotations.

(Asmaddyone has already said)

William and Kate visited a school with boys and girls. That must have been to encourage education. Can't be a bad thing.

They were sentenced to life imprisonment. There are evil beings everywhere.

Apologies - it was a Muslim girl raped by Hindu men but it's all part of the same narrative. Women and girls are worthless
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/06/10/six-hindu-men-convictedover-rape-murder-muslim-girl-8-case-fanned/

I do think you make a good point maddy but I just think there’s no hope for most women and children in countries like Pakistan and India even if K and W went over every six months. I’m just reading What we talk about when we talk about rape - so depressing. I felt physically sick recently reading about the 8 year old in Hindu in Kashmir raped by Muslim men as a ‘punishment’ and there have been Hindu girls raped by Muslim men. Going over there looking lovely in pretty clothes could be seen as reinforcing the role of women to look attractive and not as people in their own right.

Suziewoozie, thank you for the link. I was aware of the very poor human rights record in Pakistan, but the link makes for quite horrific reading. I do think official visits by royalty perhaps help in this regard, surely the Pakistanis can see that Britain holds Catherine to be as valuable as William, and that their children are equally valued, regardless of their gender. The visit to the school yesterday is an example, I understand that the school they visited is funded by our foreign aid, and it is clear that the girls are receiving an equal education to the boys. It is a very tricky situation and I for one don’t really have any answers.

Re Catherine, I think she looks great in all the clothes, but she looks lovely whenever she represents her country. She is a wonderful addition to the royal family. William chose wisely and she will make a very good queen in due course.

Are all unmarried woman ‘plain ‘ ?

She is lovely, I don`t care how superficial that sounds, and dignified too.
Yes, the younger Imran Khan, got me being interested in cricket! (Which I still follow).

Going back to her looks, don’t suppose William would have given her a second glance if she’d been plain.
‘‘Twas ever thus”

suziewoozie
it is good we have legislation against forced marriage yes but not sure how much it is enforced.
Also it is more about indoctrination as well. If you have the entire family against you ?

I think the eyes are still closed

a pleasure marriage is when young girls from age 9 are forced to "marry" old men.
It is a real thing that the BBC have made a program about.
There is a petition asking for the program to be removed from iplayer as it offends Muslims by promoting Islamophobia (you cannot make it up).

I agree pink we could do more but at least we now have legislation against forced marriage and support for young women in this situation. We don’t turn a complete blind eye - maybe a half closed one?

What is this hideous thing " a pleasure marriage?"

regarding Pakistan and women's rights ...it might be a good idea to enforce freedom for the poor souls living here but brought over to be married to a cousin or uncle "shudder".

We turn a blind eye to the oppressed women in the UK saying it is their culture
That might be more inspiring than photos of an English rich woman.

I only mentioned it as I was idly watching the news and there was the usual aeroplane steps shot and she stepped out in that fabulous green outfit. I was quite shocked. I'm not usually bothered much about the Royal family really.

Can't see why complementing someone on their appearance is demeaning. I'd love it! (but unlikely ?)

I agree Malala has helped to highlight the situation there - but nothing has changed and I don’t think it would be safe for her to go back there would it?

I agree Suzie - it’s so superficial

I find it really depressing that her physical attractiveness ( which is beyond doubt) is what some people want to comment on. It’s fine to say she behaves with dignity, or interacts well with the people she meets but beautiful, lovely, English rose? How demeaning.

Had the smile at the news commentary that Imran Khan 'knew Diana quite well'.
Yeah I reckon.

I agree Jane10. Watching her on the news last night I was struck by how beautiful and how serene she is. She is a real asset to this country. I too was concerned about their safety in Pakistan, but this is their job, their future and they seem to be playing it well.