Meghan Markle has made a powerful feminist speech at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.
The Duchess of Sussex was seen on-stage ahead of her talk at the South by Southwest Festival. She took part in the opening day keynote titled Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen. She shared the stage with journalist Katie Couric, actress Brooke Shields and diversity equity and inclusion consultant at Peoplism, Nancy Wang Yuen.
Meghan expressed her excitement about participating in the event and discussed a recent project she unveiled and it comes after it was announced Meghan, Geena Davis, and Moms First are teaming up to raise awareness about how mothers are portrayed on television, reports the Mirror.
Meghan released a statement about her involvement with the project, which read: "My past experience as an actress, and now today as a producer and mother, have amplified my belief in the critical importance of supporting women and mums both behind the lens and in front of it.
"This report about the portrayal of mothers in entertainment highlights the gaps we need to fill to achieve true representation in the content we create and consume, and I'm honoured to support this work through the Archewell Foundation."
Meghan's speech was moderated by Errin Haines, host of The Amendment podcast and focussed on "how the widespread use of social media is creating an often dangerous environment which has led to serious mental health issues for teenage girls in particular".
The announcement also mentioned how women's representation in media and entertainment "has come a long way, but there's still much to be done, especially for women of colour and mothers". Announcing the Duchess of Sussex as a participant, SXSW noted how she is a "feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity", as well as a New York Times bestselling author.
Meghan has a long history of supporting women's rights. On her website, Meghan is described as a "feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity".
The statement continued: "Her lifelong advocacy for women and girls remains a constant thread in her humanitarian and business ventures. She has been named one of the most influential women in the world in rankings including TIME Magazine's Most Influential People, The Financial Times' 25 Most Influential Women, Variety Power of Women, and British Vogue's Vogue 25."
Meghan's passion for equality started when she was just 11 years old. She decided to challenge a TV advert after watching a Procter and Gamble commercial that advertised dishwashing soap only to women. The advert said: "Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans."
During a chat with Nick News, young Meghan shared: "I don't think it's right for kids to grow up thinking these things, that just mom does everything."
Meghan then wrote to the company asking them to change the slogan to "people all over America". Her request was listened to and the company agreed to make the change.
Meghan's speech on "breaking barriers" comes four years after she and her husband Prince Harry decided to step down as senior Royals and leave the Royal Family for a new life with their children in California.
