Meghan Markle graced a panel at SXSW to commemorate International Women's Day, where she revisited a pivotal moment from her childhood: her bold initiative at the age of 11 to urge Procter & Gamble to amend a s---st soap commercial.
Sharing the stage with actress Brooke Shields and veteran news anchor Katie Couric, Markle led a discussion on shattering barriers and advocating for women's representation. Amidst her impassioned dialogue on the pressing need for gender equality, she delved into the anecdote of her campaign to alter a 1993 TV ad for dishwashing liquid produced by the manufacturing giant.
Couric playfully prodded Markle to recount the tale once more, acknowledging its resonance. Markle reminisced, "At 11, I found it maddening, so I penned numerous letters. And they made a difference." Procter & Gamble eventually revised the advertisement, initially stating "women are fighting greasy pots and pans," to the more inclusive "people are fighting greasy pots and pans."
Markle's original letter to Procter & Gamble encapsulated her indignation: "Dear Sir, last week at my school, we watched a commercial for the new Ivory clear dishwashing liquid. They said women are battling grease, implying only women do dishes." She highlighted how such messaging perpetuated harmful stereotypes, recounting the boys in her class echoing sentiments. The success of her campaign led to an interview with Nick News, where she reflected on the power of commercials to shape perceptions and her determination to challenge injustices.
However, the veracity of Markle's narrative has been questioned, with some suggesting it was part of a school project and discrediting claims of involvement by prominent figures like Hillary Clinton. Interestingly, Markle's father later confessed to responding to her letter as Procter & Gamble, aiming to bolster her confidence. Despite scrutiny, Markle continues to spotlight this episode as a pivotal moment in her advocacy journey.
Beyond this, Markle's accomplishments extend beyond her early activism. While she may be best known for her portrayal of "the BJ girl" on 90210 or her minor roles in shows like Suits, her marriage to Prince Harry has thrust her into the global spotlight, albeit amidst controversy and criticism. Yet, her commitment to gender equality and challenging societal norms remains a cornerstone of her public persona.
