Duchess of Sussex and Fellow Advocates Address Gender Inequality, Social Media Harassment, and Ageism in Entertainment

On International Women’s Day, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, joined a thought-provoking panel at the annual SXSW (South by Southwest) festival in Austin, Texas, to explore critical issues facing women, particularly mothers, in both traditional and social media. The event, which runs through March 16, also featured actress and author Brooke Shields, journalist Katie Couric, and sociologist Nancy Wang Yuen.

The conversation centred around how women are often misrepresented in the media, particularly the portrayal of mothers. Meghan highlighted a report funded by the Archewell Foundation, which revealed that working mothers earn just 62 cents for every dollar earned by working fathers. She stressed the ongoing need for better support for mothers, saying, “It’s almost feeling punitive when you’re a mom, juggling everything and caring so much, but not being supported in the best way possible.”

Nancy Wang Yuen chimed in on the importance of policymakers understanding the realities of working mothers. She explained that decisions affecting women are often made by people who are disconnected from the actual experiences of women. Yuen noted, “They’re deriving their ideas from television and film, which is not reality.” She emphasised that women’s progress directly correlates with societal advancement, particularly when women earn and contribute equally to the economy.

The panel also touched on the adverse effects of social media on women and girls, with Meghan sharing her own struggles with online harassment. Reflecting on her experiences during pregnancy and after the births of her children, she said, “I keep my distance from it for my well-being… It’s not just catty; it’s cruel.”

The discussion further tackled the issue of ageism, particularly in the entertainment industry, where women often face limited roles as they age. At 58, Brooke Shields pointed out how Hollywood struggles to recognise the value of older women. She stated, “At 58, you’re too old to be the ingenue, but not quite the granny yet.” Shields advocated for filmmakers who appreciate the life experience women over 40 bring to the screen, including raising children, managing careers, and navigating personal growth.