What is the Women of Vision award, as Meghan Markle steps out for first engagement since coronation?

The 50th Ms. Foundation for Women ceremony takes place this evening at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City, and one name that will be in attendance is on everyone’s lips once again - the one and only Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. Markle’s attendance stems not only due to her shared beliefs with Ms. Foundation founder Gloria Steinem (which we covered last month), but to be present to receive her Woman of Vision 2023 award.

Created in 1989, the Women of Vision Award is given to the recipient who has demonstrated advancing gender equality and supporting women's rights. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and impact in advancing social justice and equality for women; traits that Gloria Steinem extolled in her heyday as an equal rights activist. 

The specific criteria and selection process for the Women of Vision Award can vary from year to year. However, in general, recipients of the award are individuals who have made significant contributions in fields such as activism, politics, philanthropy, academia, arts, or other areas related to women's rights and gender equality. 

The inaugural Woman of Vision Award was given in 1989 to Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and a prominent Native American activist. Wilma Mankiller was recognized for her leadership in revitalising the Cherokee Nation, advocating for Native American rights, and empowering Indigenous communities. Recent recipients of the award include Hillary Clinton, Ava DuVernay, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Diane von Furstenberg.

Markle’s philanthropic efforts through Archewell alongside, to quote Steinem, “her global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls.” Her attendance at the event marks the first official engagement of the Duchess of Sussex since “skipping” (aka looking after her children, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie) the King’s Coronation earlier this month.

Though Markle’s appearance might also help with the turn out to the event, which also acts as a charity fundraiser for the Ms. Foundation for Women, a non-profit organisation which works to address systemic inequalities, dismantle barriers, and create a society where all women and girls can thrive.