Queen speaks up for Commonwealth women

The monarch arrived at Westminster Abbey, alongside the Duke of Edinburgh, behind a backdrop of colourful flags fluttering in Parliament Square representing the 54 Commonwealth member states.

They were received by the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, at the start of the annual Observance of Commonwealth Day service.

The essential role played by women around the world as “agents of change” formed the central theme of this year’s Queen’s Commonwealth Day message.

International Women’s Day, held last Tuesday, celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.

In the Queen’s annual address to the “family of nations”, she underlined how women play vital roles under many guises – from doctors and mothers to entrepreneurs.

She called on individuals and groups to overcome inequality and think of practical ways to provide support to girls and women to lead fuller lives.

In a pre-recorded message, the Queen said: “This year, the Commonwealth celebrates the important role that women already play in every walk of life and in every Commonwealth country – from the richest to the poorest areas, across continents and oceans, from villages to places of international debate, in every culture and faith – recognising that women are ‘agents of change’ in so many ways: as mothers and sisters, teachers and doctors, artists and craftspeople, smallholders and entrepreneurs, and as leaders of our societies, unleashing the potential of those around them.”

The Queen said the goal was to create “greater opportunity” for women to pursue their hopes and dreams and “make the best of their talents and knowledge”.

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy read a poem A Commonwealth Blessing For Girls which was commissioned for the service.