
Duchess Meghan will take the stage for an event on International Women's Day
By Sarah Walker
The Duchess of Sussex is showing no signs of slowing down as she prepares for the arrival of Baby Sussex in the spring! It's just been announced that the mom-to-be will make yet another public appearance on Friday, March 8 – and as always, it's for a cause extremely close to her heart.
Royal watchers know how important women's rights and gender equality are to Meghan, so it's no surprise she'll be joining a panel on International Women's Day! Kensington Palace revealed the duchess will participate in a panel discussion alongside other female thought-leaders and activists, like The Circle founder Annie Lennox, Gurls Talk founder Adwoa Aboah, Angeline Murimirwa of CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education) and more.
Meghan visited King's College London in December 2018. Photo: © Twitter/@kensingtonroyal
Hosted by King's College London – where Meghan made a surprise appearance in December 2018 – the women panelists will discuss a range of issues affecting women today, and will offer their thoughts on female empowerment and equality.
“In front of an audience of students, opinion formers and young leaders, Her Royal Highness will join the panel to discuss the importance of International Women’s Day, and the spotlight it can bring to obstacles which still affect female empowerment across the world, including access to education and limitations within employment,” a statement from the palace read. “The discussion will also cover the positive opportunities that come when women are given wider access and equal opportunity, whether that be in the UK or elsewhere in the world.”
On Friday 8th March The Duchess of Sussex will join a panel discussion convened by @QueensComTrust to mark #IWD2019
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 1, 2019
The event, hosted @KingsCollegeLon, will bring together a special panel of female thought-leaders and activists to discuss a range of issues affecting women today. pic.twitter.com/jnEkrzBxKh
The 37-year-old has been a long-standing advocate for women's issues. While visiting the University of the South Pacific in Fiji with her husband in October 2018, she gave an impassioned speech about the importance of education for women who can "create incredible futures" when "given the right tools to succeed.
The future mom shared her belief that learning should be for all. “Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive," she said. "And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital."
The duchess made an impassioned speech about women's rights and education while in Fiji last year. Photo: © Getty Images
She added: "I know the personal feeling of pride and excitement that comes with attending university. From the moment you receive your acceptance letter, to the exams you spend countless late nights studying for, the lifelong friendships you make with your fellow alumni."
She concluded the speech with a toast to the students. "My husband Harry and I wish you all the very best of luck as you continue your studies and work. Your efforts now will help to make a positive future for each of you and your communities at large. Congratulations to you all!"