Despite Meghan Markle's forthcoming receipt of the Women of Vision Award from the Ms. Foundation, several commentators have raised questions about her qualifications and contributions to feminism. The Duchess of Sussex is set to receive the award from renowned feminist Gloria Steinem, a co-founder of Ms. Foundation, at an event scheduled for Tuesday.
However, Cristo Foufas, a TalkTV host, and Kinsey Schofield, a royal expert, have expressed doubts about Markle's suitability for the accolade, which recognizes "feminist changemakers." Foufas questioned the Duchess's feminist credentials, given her marriage into the British royal family. Schofield speculated that Markle would insist on being recognized by her royal title despite her non-working royal status, a move she deemed ironic given the feminist nature of the award.
Schofield, the author of "R is for Revenge Dress," also suggested that the Sussexes may have leveraged their connections and public relations savvy to secure their recent accolades. She claimed that despite the accolades they've received, their Archewell Foundation's reported contributions to society have been relatively minimal.
Both Schofield and Foufas argued that the Sussexes' pursuit of awards is part of a broader strategy to enhance their brand. Foufas asserted, "Every single thing they do is about their brand and building their brand."
Contrarily, the Ms. Foundation for Women, a Brooklyn-based organization, has lauded Markle for her "global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls." The foundation portrays the former "Suits" actress as a "feminist, champion of human rights, and global role model."
Through the Archewell Foundation, Markle and Prince Harry have reportedly directed significant philanthropic efforts. The foundation's 2022 annual report highlights the provision of 12.66 million COVID-19 vaccines in partnership with Global Citizen and the resettlement of nearly 175,000 refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan in collaboration with Welcome.US. Additionally, the foundation supported the construction of a community play space in Uvalde, Texas, following a devastating school shooting.
The 2023 Women of Vision Awards will be distributed at the Ms. Foundation's 50th-anniversary gala, with funds raised supporting the foundation's equity-centered initiatives. Other honorees include Wanda Irving, co-founder of Dr. Shalon's Maternal Action Project, and Kimberly Inez McGuire, executive director of URGE, among others.
Markle also received recognition as a digital media national winner for the 48th Annual Gracie Awards for her Spotify podcast "Archetypes," an honor bestowed by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation.