Feminism is about fairness, says Duchess of Sussex in NZ
In just four minutes the Duchess of Sussex has told the world she won’t be shying away from her feminist roots now she is a member of the royal family.
Meghan’s speeches overnight in New Zealand and last week in Fiji delivered powerful messages about women’s suffrage and the right to education for girls and women.
In doing so the former actress has put to rest speculation that protocols preventing members of the royal family speaking out on political issues will not stop her from championing causes including women’s rights and racial equality.
In her two-minute address at a reception celebrating the 125th anniversary of New Zealand becoming the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote, Meghan issued a “bravo” to the nation for its history-making move.
Standing in front of a large portrait of the Queen, Meghan said the women of New Zealand who fought for their right to vote were “universally admired”. “Because yes - women’s suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness,” she told the audience, which included Prime Minster Jacinda Adern and Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy.
“Suffrage is not simply about the right to vote but also about what that represents. The basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future and that of your community.”
Just as the suffragettes overcame discrimination to win their right to vote more than a century ago, Meghan demonstrated with her speech that ancient royal protocols can also be overcome. Before marrying Prince Harry in May, some royal watchers had speculated that once she became a senior member of the royal family she would have to walk a fine line between speaking out on issues and not being seen to be political.
She raised eyebrows in February with comments about female empowerment while on stage with Harry, Prince William and his Catherine for the inaugural Royal Foundation Forum in London. Commentators were also surprised when after the royal wedding Meghan’s biography appeared on the royal family’s website with the quote: “I am proud to be a woman and a feminist”. It’s a message the duchess has effectively spread as she’s toured Australia, Fiji and Tonga in the past 10 days, and now New Zealand.
In her first speech of the 16-day tour - and her first as a royal Meghan spoke about recognising the “vital” right of women and girls in developing countries to be educated.
Like in Wellington, the speech was over in two minutes but it’s impact is likely to last much longer.
AAP