#CHOOSETOCHALLENGE

One week ago, we celebrated International Women’s Day. This year’s campaign theme was #choosetochallenge, which is perhaps one of the most powerful and inspiring IWD themes ever. The official IWD website declares, “We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality.” And if the goal is to build a more inclusive society, we must extend this to challenge all forms of bias and inequality.

On that very same day, the world watched as the Sussexes - Meghan and Harry - were interviewed by Oprah Winfrey.

If anyone needed a meaningful example of #choosetochallenge, that was it right there. I have respect for the tremendous courage it took for Meghan and her accomplice husband to speak up and and share their experiences.

As the Kingdom Choir’s rendition of Lovely Day echoed through St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle when they married in May 2018, I remember being filled with hope, thinking that the British monarchy was embracing inclusion and modernity by embracing their newest family member. But those hopes were shattered when I watched the interview, as Meghan detailed the isolation, exclusion and torment she faced - not only from the press, but from members of the monarchy itself, from her new family.

As I see it, yes, the interview was about Meghan and Harry’s specific story. But more importantly, it was about calling out something much bigger: persistent, systemic racism. It is painful for a duchess who seemingly has it all, just as it is for a kid on a playground or working mom struggling to make ends meet.

The official statement from the royal family following the interview was disheartening. We saw a classic example of gaslighting: “Whilst recollections may vary…”

A more courageous response would have led with acknowledging the experiences Meghan and Harry shared, and included a commitment to listening, learning and taking action to create not just individual but also systemic change.

In choosing to challenge the status quo, Meghan was creating deeper understanding of barriers faced by women and people of color and advocating for a more just world for all of us.

Photo: Harpo Productions/Reuters