New Zealand is the latest stop in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s South Pacific tour, and Meghan Markle distinguished herself by making an impassioned speech about the history of the suffragette movement in the country.
With a huge portrait of the Queen behind her, Markle spoke at a reception at Government House in Wellington, honouring the 125th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement in New Zealand.
“We are proud to be able to join you tonight in celebrating the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in your country,” she said, as reported by The Independent.
“The achievements of the women of New Zealand who campaigned for their right to vote, and were the first in the world to achieve it, are universally admired. In looking forward to this very special occasion, I reflected on the importance of this achievement, but also the larger impact of what this symbolizes…because yes, women’s suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness,” the Duchess continued.
“Women’s suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness,” she added. “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, the involvement and voice that allows you to be a part of the very world that you are a part of.”
She concluded by paying tribute to New Zealand “for championing this right 125 years ago — for the women who well deserve to have an active voice and acknowledged vote, and for all of the people that this effort has paved the way for globally. We all deeply thank you.”
