Feminism is about fairness: Meghan’s powerful speeches

As the royals and their ‘pepi’ charm New Zealand, Meghan Markle has shown she won’t be silenced by protocol when it comes to championing women.

Standing in front of a portrait of the Queen, Meghan Markle told a reception at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand “feminism is about fairness”. Picture: Marty Melville/AAP

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 Suits actress has put to rest speculation that protocols preventing members of the royal family speaking out on political issues will stop her from championing causes including women’s rights and racial equality.

In a two-minute address at a reception on Sunday night, 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”.

Meghan’s powerful speech in New Zealand was the second time she’d proven this tour that she won’t be shying away from her feminist roots now she is a member of the royal family. Picture: Kirsty Wigglesworth/Getty

“Because yes — women’s suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness,” she said.

“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 she married Prince Harry in May, some royal watchers speculated once Meghan 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 after the royal wedding when 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 she has spread open her first royal tour.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle brave the rain at Abel Tasman National Park. Picture: Paul Edwards/AP)

In her first speech of the visit — and her first as a royal — Meghan spoke about recognising the “vital” right of women and girls in developing countries to be educated.

“There is always scope to offer more opportunities to the next generation of young adults, and specifically to young women,” she said. Like in Wellington, the speech was over in two minutes but it’s impact is likely to last much longer.

South Island wishes for royals and ‘pepi’

Today, a translator at her side, Meghan broke into a grin as a Maori elder wished her strength with her soon-to-be “pepi” during their welcome to the South Island.

It was with the blowing of a conch that Prince Harry and Meghan were greeted on Monday to a beachside camp at Totaranui in the Abel Tasman National Park, rain falling around them.

Under a marquee, a kaumatua (elder) from the local iwi (tribe) Barney Thomas spoke in Te Reo Maori, wishing them well with their pepi (baby).

Meghan smiled as the words were translated for her.

He also explained why the Duchess was seated a few inches behind the Duke in the front row.

“The middle represents the god of war and we don’t want to put our women into that space.

“We want to be inclusive but especially Meghan, because she’s expecting, we don’t want to put her at any risk.”

Harry shrugged off the rain as he spoke to the crowd.

“The weather forecast was a lot worse than this and we are really fortunate to be here,” he said.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet the locals during a visit to Totaranui Campground in the Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand. Picture: Robert Kitchin/AAP

“The rain is a blessing and a reminder of our connection to the land,” he said. “From my wife, myself and our little bump, it’s a blessing to be here.”

Then the Duke — in a black puffer jacket — and the Duchess — in a black Seasalt coat — set out for a walk in the rain, arm-in-arm and sharing an umbrella as they strolled down one of the area’s golden beaches, talking conservation with a ranger.

While the royals didn’t seem to mind the rain, a planned tree planting was called off due to the weather. Instead the couple joined local schoolchildren for brownies and tea under a tent.

Royals’ casual cafe stop

The royals started the day in Wellington with a quick cafe stop.

Keen locals — and their dogs — were up early this morning lining the street to catch a glimpse of Prince Harry and Meghan arriving at Wellington’s Maranui Cafe, a well-known seaside brunch spot.

Meeting the royals was all a bit much for little Joe Young, but Meghan talked him through it. Picture: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Cheers and chants erupted as they couple emerged from their motorcade, the Duke dressed casually in a jumper and Meghan ready for the precarious weather in tight black pants, ankle boots, a black turtleneck and a dark-grey coat. Meghan wore a “1737” lapel badge, promoting a local helpline.

While giving the couple a chance to take in some of the city’s famed cafe culture, the visit also continued their work focusing on mental health. Inside they spoke with youths contributing to initiatives around the city, the prince raising the need to normalise conversations about mental health and concerns about the effect social media was having.

“Everyone needs someone to turn to, right?” the Duke said.

The couple passed on the coffee, though, Meghan drinking tea and Harry sticking to water.

Meghan leads the way as she and Prince Harry exit brunch for the next stage of the tout. Picture: Kirsty Wigglesworth/Getty

Prince Harry waves to fans as he and Meghan meet with students from Houghton Valley School. Picture: Mark Mitchell/AP

Meghan’s sweet gesture

But while most seemed thrilled to see the royals, the festivities proved too much for one. Five-year-old Joe Young was overcome as the royals approached school students and refused to shake hands, despite the Duchess kneeling to try and comfort him.

A group of children chanting “Har-ry, Meg-han” collectively let out a loud sigh of disappointment as the Duke got back into a car.

But Meghan made sure they got a taste of royal attention, asking that cakes laid out on tables inside for the royal couple were instead taken outside and given to local school children:

Later this week, Harry and Meghan will travel to Auckland and Rotorua — in the central north island — bringing to end their 16-day tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand on Wednesday.