Following an intimate dinner date with Prince Harry at Soho House Austin in Texas on Thursday, the Duchess of Sussex graced the opening day of the SXSW Conference on Friday. Aligning with the essence of International Women's Day, Meghan, participated in a panel titled "Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen." Her co-panelists included Katie Couric, Brooke Shields, and esteemed author-sociologist Nancy Wang Yuen. The insightful conversation was skillfully moderated by Errin Haines, host of The Amendment podcast and editor-at-large for The 19th.

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Prince Harry, 39, attended in support, occupying a prominent position within the audience. Markus Anderson, a close confidant of the couple, also attended, seated alongside Prince Harry.

Reflecting on the vulnerabilities of new motherhood, Meghan articulated, "As moms, and as I was saying earlier when you're a new mom, it's a really vulnerable time." She delved into the impact of social media on new mothers, emphasizing the disorienting effect caused by idealized portrayals of motherhood. Meghan acknowledged her privilege in having an exceptional partner in Prince Harry, a hands-on father and unwavering supporter of her and their family. She underscored the importance of such support, recognizing that not everyone is afforded the same level of assistance. Consequently, Meghan advocated for the implementation of safeguards to shield women, particularly mothers, from heightened vulnerability in the online realm.

During the panel discussion, Katie Couric shared reflections on her professional journey, emphasizing the creativity and resilience required to assert one's worth in an era where such discussions were challenging. Brooke Shields candidly expressed regrets about her early years in the industry, acknowledging the controversies surrounding her sexualized portrayal as a pre-teen. And Nancy Wang Yuen poignantly dropped truth bombs throughout sharing her deep knowledge. “When women's rights advance, that advances society," Yuen added. "When women are working and getting equal share, they're making money. They're actually contributing to the economy.”

Amidst the diverse narratives, what resonated was the unapologetic presence of these women on stage, transcending the historically male-dominated space. The collective experiences conveyed a powerful message of authenticity and resilience.

Upon concluding the discussion, the lingering question remained: what comes next on the journey of empowerment and advocacy?

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