Introducing HRH

Duchess of Sussex speaks at an event in New Zealand. Photo Credit: New Zealand Governor General

Girl Friday focuses on four interconnected themes. The first theme is called Human Rights & Humanitarianism, or “HRH” for short. As I was creating Girl Friday, I thought about women who inspire me across the four themes and selected titles to honor them.

When I was young, I became interested in human rights and humanitarian affairs because of Princess Diana’s work with The HALO Trust, highlighting the perils of landmines around the world. Today, I see young people just as excited about Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, as I was about Princess Diana. And, honestly, I feel like I’m 8 years old again - I’m excited, too!

Long before we knew her as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan was actively engaged in humanitarian work around the world. For example, when she was a Global Ambassador for World Vision, she visited Rwanda to learn more about their clean water initiative. Immediately noting the link between gender equality and access to clean water, she said, “I think there’s a misconception that access to clean water is just about clean drinking water; which, of course, it is. But it’s so much more than that. Access to clean water in a community keeps young girls in school, because they aren't walking hours each day to source water for their families.”

Girl Friday’s HRH stories will cover a myriad of issues, ranging from gender equality to war and peace. You can follow those stories here and via our weekly newsletter, The Friday Brief. On Twitter and Instagram, be sure to follow @DearGirlFriday and the hashtag #GirlFridayHRH.