Meghan Markle among 'visionary female leaders' to take part in panel discussion
By George Lithgow, PA
Meghan Markle will be a panellist for a discussion about women in the media and entertainment industries later this week.
It will take place at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, on International Women’s Day, March 8th.
Meghan is described by the festival as a “feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity, New York Times bestselling author, and co-founder of The Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions”.
She will feature in the event entitled “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On And Off The Screen”.
Her Archetypes podcast about female stereotypes ran for just one series before her lucrative deal with Spotify ended in 2023.
Alongside fellow participants including author Katie Couric and actress, model, entrepreneur, and author Brooke Shields, Meghan will talk about the importance of representation in media and entertainment, organisers have said.
The participants are described by the event as “visionary female leaders at the forefront of news, media, entertainment, and philanthropy who are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and working toward a healthier society on and off our screens”.
Topics of conversation will also include how social media’s “omnipresence” has created an “often dangerous environment which has led to serious mental health issues for teenage girls in particular.”
Founded in 1987, South By Southwest is known for its conference and festivals on tech, film and television, music, education, and culture, describing itself as an “essential destination for global professionals”.
Last month saw a flurry of announcements from Harry and Meghan.
Meghan signed a deal with Lemonada Media to record new podcast shows, and the company will distribute her previous series.
The couple also relaunched their Archewell website, the name of their foundation, rebranding it The Office Of Prince Harry And Meghan, The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex.