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Meghan Markle's newly announced participation in a panel discussion marking International Women's Day on March 8 underscores her "unwavering dedication to championing women's representation." It also savvily "amplifies her voice on a global stage," an entertainment expert told Newsweek.
On Monday, it was announced that Meghan will be taking part in a keynote panel discussion, alongside several high-profile women in the digital media and entertainment spheres. It takes place at the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas, on March 8 to mark International Women's Day.
The opening panel at the conference for film, television and music industrialists will be titled "Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen." Alongside Meghan, other panelists will include broadcast journalist Katie Couric and actress Brooke Shields.
Meghan rebranded her personal website, shared with husband Prince Harry, last month. It features a new biography in which the duchess is described as a "feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity." Newsweek approached representatives of Meghan Markle via email for comment.
This latest move to tie together her entertainment industry career (formerly as an actress and now as a producer through her company Archewell Productions) with her work as a philanthropist is both commendable and business savvy, entertainment expert and founder of MarkMeets, Mark Boardman, told Newsweek.
"Meghan's participation as a keynote panelist at the upcoming star-studded event in Texas on International Women's Day underscores her unwavering dedication to championing women's representation in the media," Boardman said.
"By joining forces with notable advocates such as Nancy Wang Yuen, Brooke Shields, and Katie Couric, who share her commitment to human rights and gender equality, the duchess of Sussex amplifies her voice on a global stage.
"Participating in International Women's Day festivities not only allows Meghan to reconnect with familiar faces but also provides an opportunity to forge new alliances within the SXSW community," Boardman said.
"Through her contributions to the discussion, she must aim to underscore the importance of diverse representation in media and entertainment and ensure the necessary soundbytes hit the right chord with attendees."
Boardman added that the panel not only offers Meghan a unique platform to shed light on issues close to her heart, but also her involvement in such a high-profile event reflects her growing influence as an activist within the entertainment industry.
"Balancing between such public engagements and her entertainment projects is essential for Meghan's image and career trajectory," Boardman said. "While continuing to champion causes close to her heart, she should also strategically pursue her entertainment ventures to diversify her audience and solidify her position in the industry.
"This event not only keeps her firmly in the spotlight but also provides a platform to advance crucial conversations surrounding women's empowerment and equality."
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
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About the writer
James Crawford-Smith is a Newsweek Royal Reporter, based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on the British royal family ... Read more