Duchess bids to 'harness power of mothers'

THE Duchess of York has told the United Nations' economic council she is working to "harness the collective power of mothers".

She was speaking at a UN meeting in New York which is exploring ways of promoting global gender equality and women's empowerment.

In her address the duchess told delegates, including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon: "

I believe the nurturing power of mothers can change the landscape of economic, political, and social issues and that is why I am developing a new initiative to harness the collective power of mothers.

"This initiative will launch through an innovative technological platform where mothers around the world will be convened to share, learn, support, and empower each other."

The duchess has been involved in a number of charities and good causes over the past few decades.