Meghan Markle is teaming up with some seriously powerful women for a good cause. The Duchess of Sussex will join Michelle Obama and Priyanka Chopra Jonas for the Girl Up Global Leadership Summit.
Meghan has a long history of advocating for gender equality and women's interests. She famously found herself in activism at just 11 years old, when she challenged a sexist soap advertisement. In the years since, Meghan has spoken on the global stage about women's issues a number of times.
Meghan also channeled her interest in female empowerment into her work as a royal. She created a cookbook with the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen to benefit their work. She released a capsule collection of workplace basics to benefit Smart Works, which helps prepare women for job interviews.
The virtual event will take place this weekend, from July 13 to 15. Some feel this is a big step forward for Meghan into the kind of work she's always thrived on doing. Others feel this is Meghan getting back to her roots. Whatever the case, it will be interesting to see what she chooses to advise young women on at this transformative time in history.
Girl Up has made an exciting addition to their speakers for this weekend's Girl Up Leadership Summit. The organization, which heralds the power of young women to change the world, has announced that Meghan Markle will be one of the speakers at the three-day virtual summit on gender equality.
Girl Up was founded by the United Nations Foundation in 2010. Its goal is to give young women the tools to start a movement for social change that can impact the world. It has worked with over 65,000 girls in over 3,500 clubs around the world.
Girl Up's mission is very much in line with Meghan's lifelong work toward gender equality. The Duchess of Sussex got her start in activism as an 11-year-old. After seeing a sexist soap advertisement, she shared her concerns.
She wrote letters to Nick News, the soap company, a lawyer, and then-first lady Hillary Clinton. Not only did Meghan convince the soap company to change the language in its advertisement, but she landed on Nick News for her accomplishment.
Meghan recalled that moment in 2015 while speaking at the United Nations Conference on Women. She also served as a UN Women's Advocate for Political Participation and Leadership.
"When I was just 11 years old, I unknowingly and somehow accidentally became a female advocate," she explained. She then described the soap ad, which stated, "Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans."
"I remember feeling shocked and angry and also just feeling so hurt; it just wasn't right, and something needed to be done," she recalled.
After Meghan's letter, the company changed the language to state that "people" all over America were combatting grease, not just women.
"It was at that moment that I realized the magnitude of my actions. At the age of 11, I had created my small level of impact by standing up for equality."
Meghan is in good company when it comes to other big names featured as part of the Girl Up event. Priyanka Chopra Jonas will also participate as part of a Q&A. Priyanka has done a lot of charity work in relation to getting girls access to a fair education.
The event will also feature a special message from former first lady Michelle Obama. Michelle will deliver a message on behalf of the Girls Opportunity Alliance. She is well known for her work with the youth group, including championing girls education.
It isn't the first time these impressive ladies have been in Meghan's orbit. Priyanka and Meghan are actually old friends, having met while both were filming projects in Canada years ago.
The media tried to drum up some drama when Meghan and Harry didn't attend Priyanka's wedding to Nick Jonas. Meghan was about halfway through her pregnancy with Archie and dealing with quite a bit at the time. Priyanka confirmed there were no hard feelings amid the rumors.
Meghan had the unique opportunity to interview Michelle Obama for the September 2019 edition of British Vogue.
"Whatever your background, it's easy to feel connected to Mrs. Obama. There's something magical about the way in which she draws you in with her endearingly frank, down-to-earth personality," Meghan wrote.
"When I heard her speak at London's Royal Festival Hall last December, I found that I could personally relate to what she was sharing — and that the young British woman sitting a few seats away from me, laughing heartily and nodding in agreement, must have felt the same way."
During that interview, the two talked about the Girls Opportunity Alliance. "I formed the Girls Opportunity Alliance because I've seen the power of education in my own life. And I believe that every little girl, no matter her circumstances, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and act on her knowledge," Michelle explained.
"So, we're connecting grass-roots leaders already working on the ground in countries all over the world, helping them to learn from each other and get the resources, support, and platform they need to lift up girls in communities that can use a boost. And we are grateful to all the people around the world who have supported this program and are interested in taking action to help."
All eyes will likely be on the event this weekend. Although Meghan and Harry have made virtual appearances both separately and together, the interest in their message grows with every moment they've been expatriated from the UK. The couple has proven to be a valuable asset in mobilizing the youth, and events like the one Meghan is set to participate in are where they shine best.
The Girl Up Leadership Summit is virtual and free to attend. It takes place over three days, from July 13 to 15. With all the incredible women due to speak, the event will likely serve as a great inspiration for many of the young women out there who are fed up with the current state of the world and looking to take the next step.
