Last week, the world stood still. We all gazed in awe as Meghan Markle wed Price Harry in Windsor. From the fabulous dresses and ceremony, to the bridesmaids and cake, it was a spectacle. For the past 18 months, Meghan Markle has provoked a seismic shift, the press has started to talk about feminism, just that bit more.
In a number of ways, Markle’s entry into the British Monarchy is radical. She is a self-described biracial feminist who has advocated for people of colour and gender equality. Markle’s proudest achievements on her royal profile include her lifelong charity work and keen interest in social justice issues. Above all, it reiterates her dedication to gender equality. Markle has been in fact a UN Women’s Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership, a Global Ambassador for World Vision, and a Counsellor for One Young World. “I’ve never wanted to be a lady who lunches – I’ve always wanted to be a woman who works,” Markle wrote on her now-defunct blog. Below are the main points we have learned from the new royal, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
You can modernise tradition
Markle’s fight for feminism began a long time ago but was highlighted at her wedding. The Duchess of Sussex walked herself down the aisle for example. She also refused to “obey” her husband during the vows and at their wedding reception, addressed guests with her own speech.
Feminism doesn’t come at the cost of femininity
As a fellow dress devote and heel wearer, this is my favourite. For years, feminism has been associated with power dressing and burning bras. Which, is so last century. At Create and Cultivate, Meghan said: “You don’t have to play dress up to be a feminist. You can be a women who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women. There is no uniform for feminism, you are a feminist exactly the way you are.”
Talk freely
In the past, the former Suits actress has proudly stood up for feminism and contacted global influencers. Markle often recalls that around 1995 she was in school in Los Angeles watching television and saw a commercial for a dishwashing liquid with the tagline: “Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans.” This didn’t sit right with Meghan and she began writing letters. Firstly, to Hillary Clinton, the first lady at the time. Then, to her main news source, Linda Ellerbee and to the “powerhouse attorney” Gloria Allred. At 18, Meghan also called out radio host Tom Leykis for talking to women “like pieces of meat”.
Debunk famous quotes
“Women don’t need to find their voice, they need to be empowered to use it and people need to be urged to listen.” Meghan has previously expressed her desire to keep shining a light on women feeling empowered and back in February 2018, during her first ever official appearance with Harry, William, and Kate, Markle voiced her support for Time’s Up and #MeToo.
With such an impressive list of causes, it is obvious that Meghan Markle has used her platform to work towards gender equality. Given the amount she accomplished at only 11 with a handwritten letter, we firmly believe that Markle will make some profound changes for women and girls everywhere in her new role.
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