Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Julia Gillard join forces for International Women’s Day panel

Meghan Markle has said she felt “the embryonic kicking of feminism” as she spoke on a panel with former Australian PM Julia Gillard.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex was joined by a group of high-profile thought-leaders for an International Women’s Day panel in London on Friday — including former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Meghan, who has just been announced as the vice-president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, and Ms Gillard spoke at King’s College in London and were joined by singer Annie Lennox, model Adwoa Aboah, British journalist Anne McElvoy and Camfed Regional Director, Zimbabwe's Angeline Murimirwa.

British model Adwoa Aboah, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard take part in a panel discussion on March 8, 2019. Picture: AFP

Opening up about her hopes for her first child, due in late April, Meghan said she felt “the embryonic kicking of feminism”.

“I'd seen this documentary on Netflix on feminism and one of the things they said during pregnancy was, ‘I feel the embryonic kicking of feminism,"' the Duchess recalled.

Meghan is expected to give birth to her and Prince Harry’s first child in late April or early May. Picture: AP

“I love that. So boy or girl or whatever it is, we hope that that's the case, our little bump.”

Speaking about the future of gender equality, Meghan, 37 said men and boys need to be incorporated into the feminist movement.

"I've said for a long time you can be feminine and a feminist, you can be masculine.

Meghan was joined by a panel which included Julia Gillard to mark International Women's Day in London on March 8, 2019. Picture: AFP

"And I think in terms of masculinity you understand that your strength includes knowing your vulnerabilities and your sense of self and security, and your confidence comes from knowing a woman by your side, not behind you, is actually something you should not be threatened about — as opposed you should feel really empowered in having that."

(L-R) Adwoa Aboah, Julia Gillard, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Anne McElvoy and Angeline Murimirwa pose before the panel discussion. Picture: AFP

Ms Gillard, Australia’s first female Prime Minister, concurred:

“If we can talk about how gender equality gives everybody more choices and more options, then it can be more inclusive, globally.”

On her role as vice-president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, Meghan said:

"I'm very privileged … to be able to go to 53 Commonwealth countries and do this level of work all across the globe because again, it is about global feminism, it is about a parity and equality for all of us.

"It started at 11, but still feels like it's just beginning."

Meghan was making reference to how she, at age 11, she wrote a letter of complaint to Procter & Gamble about a sexist television commercial that implied only women do the washing up.

"Truth be told, at 11, I didn't even know what sexism meant,” the American-born royal told the panel.

Meghan leaves the panel discussion convened by the Queen's Commonwealth Trust to mark International Women's Day in London on March 8, 2019. Picture: AFP

“ I just knew that something struck me internally that was telling me it was wrong, and I knew that it was wrong."

"It really set up the trajectory for me to say, if there was a wrong, if there is a lack of justice, and there is an inequality, then someone needs to do something. And why not me?"

"Once I became old enough to travel, specifically to developing countries and see what was happening abroad, I think for me what really resonated was the lack of education for girls, and how that has a ripple effect on so many things," she explained.

"It really does solve so many of the world’s problems when a girl has access to education … early childhood marriage, susceptibility to trafficking, modern slavery, all of that.

"But equally look at all the positives that come out of it when you do have access to education for young girls. How it affects the economic development, the GDP. Billions of dollars on the table are lost by girls being pulled out of education."

Meghan wore a black and white dress by British high-street chain Reiss and a blazer by Alexander McQueen. Picture: AP

Her views no doubt resonated with Former Prime Minister Gillard, who has spent much of her life fighting for the importance of education, particularly young women.

In her new role Meghan will help highlight the Trust’s work with young people across the Commonwealth, particularly supporting women and girls.

Nicola Brentnall, the Trust’s chief executive, said: “We are particularly delighted that the first opportunity of formally working together with Her Royal Highness comes on International Women’s Day.

“This squares perfectly with our focus on amplifying the work and contribution of those furthest away from power.

“Women across the Commonwealth and the globe often face the biggest impediments to success.

“So we are delighted to have our vice-president’s support in helping others to overcome those obstacles.”

(L-R) Annie Lennox, Adwoa Aboah, Julia Gillard, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Anne McElvoy, Angeline Murimirwa and Chrisann Jarrett. Picture: AFP

Last year the Prince Harry said Meghan was “hugely excited” to be joining him in his work as Commonwealth youth ambassador, a post bestowed by the institution’s head, the Queen.

The trust works to champion, fund and connect young leaders around the world who are driving positive social change, serving their communities and providing hope, work and self employment opportunities for others.

Lord Geidt, the Trust’s chairman and the Queen’s former private secretary, said: “The support and encouragement which Her Royal Highness will bring to the young leaders with whom we work promises to have a profound effect.”