'I felt the embryonic kicking of feminism': Pregnant Meghan cradles 'our little bump' as she wears £185 Reiss dress to join Adwoa Aboah for a star-studded International Women's Day event

  • Duchess of Sussex joined discussion with Queen’s Commonwealth Trust for International Women's Day
  • Meghan, who is around eight months pregnant, joined stars including Annie Lennox and Adwoa Aboah
  • Other panellists included former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, campaigner Angeline Murimirwa
  • She was announced this morning as Vice President of the QCT, with Harry as President 
  • Meghan said she agreed with Lennox that 'we must be global feminists and include men and boys' 

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The Duchess of Sussex has joined forces with Annie Lennox to mark International Women’s Day with a star-studded panel discussion hosted by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. 

Dressed in a £185 Reiss dress and £1,245 Alexander McQueen blazer, Meghan, who was announced this morning as vice president of the Trust, was joined at the event by model and activist Adwoa Aboah and Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia.

During the discussion, pregnant Meghan spoke excitedly about 'our little bump' and joked that she could feel the 'embryonic kicking of feminism' inside her. 

'I'd seen this documentary on Netflix on feminism and one of the things they said during pregnancy was, "I feel the embryonic kicking of feminism,"' Meghan said. 'I love that. So boy or girl or whatever it is, we hope that that's the case, our little bump.'  

It is thought she was referring to Johanna Demetrakas's 2018 film Feminists – What Were They Thinking? in which comedian Lily Tomlin speaks of the day she felt the 'embryonic kicking of feminism', a term coined by her wife and collaborator Jane Wagner.

Today's event, hosted at King’s College London, was designed to bring together a special panel of female 'thought-leaders' and activists to discuss some of the obstacles faced by women today.  

The Duchess of Sussex shares a joke with Adwoa Aboah, left, and Julia Gillard, right. Today's event was designed to bring together a special panel of female 'thought-leaders' and activists to discuss obstacles faced by women

The Duchess of Sussex shares a joke with Adwoa Aboah, left, and Julia Gillard, right. Today's event was designed to bring together a special panel of female 'thought-leaders' and activists to discuss obstacles faced by women

Meghan opted for a black and white mini and heels
Today's event, hosted at King’s College London, was designed to bring together a special panel of female 'thought-leaders' and activists to discuss some of the most pressing issues affecting women today

Meghan opted for a black and white mini and heels. Today's event, hosted at King’s College London, was designed to bring together a special panel of female 'thought-leaders' and activists to discuss some of the most pressing issues affecting women today

Recreate Meghan's retro look in a printed dress by Reiss

The Duchess of Sussex doesn't seem to be slowing down in the run-up to the arrival of her baby! Today's she's joining a discussion to mark International Women's Day at King's College in London, alongside guests such as Adwoa Aboah and Annie Lennox.

Meghan looked like she meant business for the occasion, teaming a printed dress from Reiss with an Alexander McQueen blazer she's worn before, her trusty Manolo Blahnik heels and a bag by Stella McCartney.

Yes, you did read that right. She's wearing a high street dress that you can buy for £185 now! Click (right) before it sells out.

We love the Sixties feel thanks to the shift shape and roll neckline. The black and white print is very pretty and it's a great way to update your wardrobe for spring.

Missed out? Shop the Meghan-inspired options we've tracked down for you elsewhere.

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L-R Model and activist Adwoa Aboah, former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the Duchess of Sussex, journalist Anne McElvoy and CAMFED regional director Angeline Murimirwa pose before todays' panel discussion

L-R Model and activist Adwoa Aboah, former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the Duchess of Sussex, journalist Anne McElvoy and CAMFED regional director Angeline Murimirwa pose before todays' panel discussion

The duchess was greeted on arrival with a somewhat awkward kiss from Lord Geidt, former Private Secretary to the Queen and current chairman of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust. 

Meghan, who is eight months pregnant, teamed her sixties-inspired 'Azzura' dress with a £540 Stella McCartney bag and £495 Manolo Blahnik 105 BB pumps. 

It is the first time the 37-year-old has stepped out in Reiss, the UK label loved by her sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge, while her tailored McQueen blazer is an old favourite.

In her new role the duchess joins her husband Harry, who is president of the Trust, while the Queen is its patron of the body which aims to champion, fund and connect young leaders around the world.

Meghan has previously discussed feminism and gender equality on her now-defunct blog The Tig, as well as writing a piece on the impact of menstrual health on girls' education for TIME magazine. 

Since joining the royal family she has made women's issues a cornerstone of her public work and was recently announced as patron of Smart Works, which provides support for unemployed and vulnerable women.  

The Duchess of Sussex arrives at King's College London this morning. She was greeted on arrival with a somewhat awkward kiss from Lord Geidt, former Private Secretary to the Queen and current chairman of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust

The Duchess of Sussex arrives at King's College London this morning. She was greeted on arrival with a somewhat awkward kiss from Lord Geidt, former Private Secretary to the Queen and current chairman of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust

Queen of accessorising! Meghan, who is eight months pregnant, teamed her head-to-toe monochrome ensemble with a Stella McCartney bag and Manolo Blahnik heels as she arrived at King's College London on Friday afternoon. She was greeted on arrival by university principal Professor Edward Byrne (far right) and Lord Geidt, former Private Secretary to the Queen

Queen of accessorising! Meghan, who is eight months pregnant, teamed her head-to-toe monochrome ensemble with a Stella McCartney bag and Manolo Blahnik heels as she arrived at King's College London on Friday afternoon. She was greeted on arrival by university principal Professor Edward Byrne (far right) and Lord Geidt, former Private Secretary to the Queen

Meghan is joined by L-R Anne McElvoy, Annie Lennox, Adwoa Aboah, Julia Gillard, Angeline Murimirwa and Chrisann Jarrett on a panel to discuss issues facing women, organised by the Queen's Commonwealth Trust on Friday

Meghan is joined by L-R Anne McElvoy, Annie Lennox, Adwoa Aboah, Julia Gillard, Angeline Murimirwa and Chrisann Jarrett on a panel to discuss issues facing women, organised by the Queen's Commonwealth Trust on Friday

The Duchess of Sussex spoke passionately during today's panel discussion. According to onlookers, Meghan said she agreed with co-panellist Lennox that women 'must be global feminists and include men and boys'

The Duchess of Sussex spoke passionately during today's panel discussion. According to onlookers, Meghan said she agreed with co-panellist Lennox that women 'must be global feminists and include men and boys'

The Duchess of Sussex sat in between Adwoa Aboah, left, and Julia Gillard, right. Meghan, who is eight months pregnant, teamed her sixties-inspired 'Azzura' dress with a £540 Stella McCartney bag and £495 Manolo Blahnik 105 BB pumps

The Duchess of Sussex sat in between Adwoa Aboah, left, and Julia Gillard, right. Meghan, who is eight months pregnant, teamed her sixties-inspired 'Azzura' dress with a £540 Stella McCartney bag and £495 Manolo Blahnik 105 BB pumps

While speaking with model and activist Adwoa Aboah (left), Meghan spoke excitedly about 'our little bump' and joked that she could feel the 'embryonic kicking of feminism' inside her

While speaking with model and activist Adwoa Aboah (left), Meghan spoke excitedly about 'our little bump' and joked that she could feel the 'embryonic kicking of feminism' inside her

Meghan joined a panel of campaigners and activists at today's IWD event. It is the first time the 37-year-old has stepped out in Reiss, the UK label loved by her sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge, while her McQueen blazer is an old favourite

Meghan joined a panel of campaigners and activists at today's IWD event. It is the first time the 37-year-old has stepped out in Reiss, the UK label loved by her sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge, while her McQueen blazer is an old favourite

During today's International Women's Day panel discussion at King's College London, the Duchess of Sussex told audience members: 'If there’s a justice and a lack of inequality someone needs to say something - and why not you?'

During today's International Women's Day panel discussion at King's College London, the Duchess of Sussex told audience members: 'If there’s a justice and a lack of inequality someone needs to say something - and why not you?'

The Duchess of Sussex at King's College London on Friday
During the discussion, Meghan spoke excitedly about 'our little bump' and joked that she could feel the 'embryonic kicking of feminism' inside her

The Duchess of Sussex at King's College London on Friday. During the discussion, Meghan spoke excitedly about 'our little bump' and joked that she could feel the 'embryonic kicking of feminism' inside her

Speaking alongside a panel of leading women and activists this afternoon, Meghan said: 'I'd seen this documentary on Netflix on feminism and one of the things they said during pregnancy was, "I feel the embryonic kicking of feminism." I love that. So boy or girl or whatever it is, we hope that that's the case, our little bump'

Speaking alongside a panel of leading women and activists this afternoon, Meghan said: 'I'd seen this documentary on Netflix on feminism and one of the things they said during pregnancy was, "I feel the embryonic kicking of feminism." I love that. So boy or girl or whatever it is, we hope that that's the case, our little bump'

Today's panel, chaired by The Economist's Anne McEvoly, included activists Chrisann Jarrett, founder of Let us Learn, and Angeline Murimirwa, executive director of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Africa. 

Appearing in front of an audience of students and young leaders, Meghan discussed the importance of International Women’s Day, and the spotlight it can bring to obstacles which still affect female empowerment across the world.

According to onlookers, Meghan said she agreed with co-panellist Lennox that women 'must be global feminists and include men and boys'.

She also told audience members: 'If there’s a justice and a lack of inequality someone needs to say something - and why not you?' 

The panel spoke about issues including access to education and limitations within employment, also covering the positive opportunities that come when women are given wider access and equal opportunity, both in the UK and elsewhere in the world.

Meghan arrives for today's panel discussion at King's College London. Since marrying into the royal family she has made women's issues a cornerstone of her royal work and was recently announced as patron of Smart Works

Meghan arrives for today's panel discussion at King's College London. Since marrying into the royal family she has made women's issues a cornerstone of her royal work and was recently announced as patron of Smart Works

Meghan arrives at King's College London on Friday
Dressed in a white floral dress and black blazer, Meghan, who was announced this morning as vice president of the QCT, was also joined by model and activist Adwoa Aboah

Meghan arrives at King's College London on Friday. Dressed in a white floral dress and black blazer, Meghan, who was announced this morning as vice president of the QCT, was also joined by model and activist Adwoa Aboah

Wearing her hair in a signature messy bun, Meghan is all smiles as she arrives at King's College London. Since marrying into the royal family she has made women's issues a cornerstone of her royal work and was recently announced as patron of Smart Works, which provides support for unemployed and vulnerable women

Wearing her hair in a signature messy bun, Meghan is all smiles as she arrives at King's College London. Since marrying into the royal family she has made women's issues a cornerstone of her royal work and was recently announced as patron of Smart Works, which provides support for unemployed and vulnerable women

The Duchess of Sussex makes a glamorous entrance at this morning's International Women's Day event
Meghan is an ardent feminist and previously discussed gender equality on her now-defunct blog The Tig, as well as writing a piece on the impact of menstrual health on girls' education for TIME magazine

The Duchess of Sussex makes a glamorous entrance at this morning's International Women's Day event. Meghan is an ardent feminist and previously discussed gender equality on her now-defunct blog The Tig, as well as writing a piece on the impact of menstrual health on girls' education for TIME magazine

The Duchess of Sussex was greeted by university officials after arriving at King's College this morning. Meghan, who is eight months pregnant, teamed her sixties-inspired 'Azzura' dress with a Stella McCartney bag and Manolo Blahnik heels

The Duchess of Sussex was greeted by university officials after arriving at King's College this morning. Meghan, who is eight months pregnant, teamed her sixties-inspired 'Azzura' dress with a Stella McCartney bag and Manolo Blahnik heels

Huge crowds arrived to greet Meghan at the London university this morning
In her new role, Meghan, who is thought to be eight months pregnant, will highlight the QCT's partnerships with young people across the Commonwealth, and in particular its work supporting women and girls.

Huge crowds arrived to greet Meghan at the London university this morning. In her new role, Meghan, who is thought to be eight months pregnant, will highlight the QCT's partnerships with young people across the Commonwealth, and in particular its work supporting women and girls

The Duchess of Sussex is all smiles as she arrives for this afternoon's panel discussion. Appearing in front of an audience of students and young leaders, Meghan will discuss the importance of International Women’s Day, and the spotlight it can bring to obstacles which still affect female empowerment across the world

The Duchess of Sussex is all smiles as she arrives for this afternoon's panel discussion. Appearing in front of an audience of students and young leaders, Meghan will discuss the importance of International Women’s Day, and the spotlight it can bring to obstacles which still affect female empowerment across the world

Meghan, who was announced this morning as vice president of the QCT, will be joined by model and activist Adwoa Aboah and Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia today at an International Women's Day panel. She greeted on arrival by university principal Professor Edward Byrne and Lord Geidt, former Private Secretary to the Queen

Meghan, who was announced this morning as vice president of the QCT, will be joined by model and activist Adwoa Aboah and Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia today at an International Women's Day panel. She greeted on arrival by university principal Professor Edward Byrne and Lord Geidt, former Private Secretary to the Queen

The panel was organised by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, an organisation designed to champion, fund and connect young leaders around the world who are serving their communities.

The Trust, of which the Queen is patron and Prince Harry president, is working in partnership with a number of organisations to reach and connect with young people worldwide, and support those that are the most vulnerable. 

It focuses on helping those who are driving positive social change, serving their communities and providing hope, work and self-employment opportunities for others.

In her new role, Meghan, who is thought to be eight months pregnant, will highlight the QCT's partnerships with young people across the Commonwealth, and in particular its work supporting women and girls. 

Announcing her appointment on Friday morning Lord Geidt, Chairman, said: 'The Queen's Commonwealth Trust is thrilled to welcome the Duchess of Sussex as its Vice President.

Meghan arrives at King's College London this morning wearing a £185 Reiss dress. The panel was organised by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, an organisation designed to champion, fund and connect young leaders around the world who are serving their communities

Meghan arrives at King's College London this morning wearing a £185 Reiss dress. The panel was organised by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, an organisation designed to champion, fund and connect young leaders around the world who are serving their communities

Meghan's appearance comes after she was announced as vice president of the QCT
Announcing the news on Friday morning Lord Geidt, Chairman, said: 'The Queen's Commonwealth Trust is thrilled to welcome The Duchess of Sussex as its Vice President'

Meghan's appearance comes after she was announced as vice president of the QCT. Announcing the news on Friday morning Lord Geidt, Chairman, said: 'The Queen's Commonwealth Trust is thrilled to welcome The Duchess of Sussex as its Vice President'

Meghan arrives at King's College this morning. She was greeted on arrival by university principal Professor Edward Byrne and Lord Geidt (pictured), former Private Secretary to the Queen and current chairman of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust

Meghan arrives at King's College this morning. She was greeted on arrival by university principal Professor Edward Byrne and Lord Geidt (pictured), former Private Secretary to the Queen and current chairman of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust

Wellwishers gather to catch a glimpse of Meghan this morning. Today's panel, chaired by The Economist's Anne McElvoy, included activists Chrisann Jarrett, founder of Let us Learn, and Angeline Murimirwa, executive director of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Africa

Wellwishers gather to catch a glimpse of Meghan this morning. Today's panel, chaired by The Economist's Anne McElvoy, included activists Chrisann Jarrett, founder of Let us Learn, and Angeline Murimirwa, executive director of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Africa

Large crowds turned out to catch a glimpse of Meghan this morning. She was greeted on arrival by university principal Professor Edward Byrne and Lord Geidt, former Private Secretary to the Queen and current chairman of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust

Large crowds turned out to catch a glimpse of Meghan this morning. She was greeted on arrival by university principal Professor Edward Byrne and Lord Geidt, former Private Secretary to the Queen and current chairman of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust

The Duchess leaving the venue: Dressed in a £185 Reiss dress and £1,245 Alexander McQueen blazer, Meghan was joined at the event on Friday by model and activist Adwoa Aboah and Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia

The Duchess leaving the venue: Dressed in a £185 Reiss dress and £1,245 Alexander McQueen blazer, Meghan was joined at the event on Friday by model and activist Adwoa Aboah and Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia

Meghan leaves King's College London this afternoon
Meghan discussed the importance of International Women’s Day, and the spotlight it can bring to obstacles which still affect female empowerment across the world

Meghan leaves King's College London this afternoon. Meghan discussed the importance of International Women’s Day, and the spotlight it can bring to obstacles which still affect female empowerment across the world

Megha greets crowds after today's discussion. The panel was organised by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, an organisation designed to champion, fund and connect young leaders around the world who are serving their communities

Megha greets crowds after today's discussion. The panel was organised by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, an organisation designed to champion, fund and connect young leaders around the world who are serving their communities

The Duchess of Sussex is escorted from the venue by Lord Geidt, former Private Secretary to the Queen and current chairman of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust following today's panel discussion for International Women's Day

The Duchess of Sussex is escorted from the venue by Lord Geidt, former Private Secretary to the Queen and current chairman of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust following today's panel discussion for International Women's Day

Meghan leaves today's International Women's Day event
Dressed in a £185 Reiss dress and £1,245 Alexander McQueen blazer, the duchess, who was announced this morning as vice president of the Trust, was joined by a line-up of high-profile women and activists

Meghan leaves today's International Women's Day event. Dressed in a £185 Reiss dress and £1,245 Alexander McQueen blazer, the duchess, who was announced this morning as vice president of the Trust, was joined by a line-up of high-profile women and activists

'The support and encouragement which Her Royal Highness will bring to the young leaders with whom we work promises to have a profound effect.

'We are enormously grateful to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex for this signal of commitment they are making to our work, helping The Queen's Commonwealth Trust to pursue its ambitions right across the Commonwealth and beyond.'

Nicola Brentnall, QCT chief executive, added: 'We are particularly delighted that the first opportunity of formally working together with Her Royal Highness comes on International Women's Day.

'This squares perfectly with our focus on amplifying the work and contribution of those furthest away from power. 

'Women across the Commonwealth and the globe often face the biggest impediments to success. So we are delighted to have our Vice President's support in helping others to overcome those obstacles.'

Who's who on Meghan's star-studded IWD panel  

Annie Lennox 

Named as one of the 100 greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, performer and human rights activist Annie Lennox rose to fame in partnership with Dave Stewart as Eurythmics in the early 1980’s with the classic album Sweet Dreams are Made of This. 

Annie Lennox, pictured, was named as one of the 100 greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine

Annie Lennox, pictured, was named as one of the 100 greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine

Followed by a decade of global success, she branched off to become a notable artist in her own right. Since then, Lennox has received numerous accolades in recognition of her contribution to the music business, including eight BRIT awards (including a Lifetime Achievement), four Ivor Novello awards, three MTV awards, four Grammy awards, 26 ASCAP awards, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award.

She has been awarded fellowships from some of the world’s most prestigious music institutions, including the British Academy of Songwriters, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Berklee College of Music and The Musicians Company. 

Lennox received the Nobel Woman of Peace Award at the 10th Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in 2009 for her work on HIV/AIDS prevention and control focused on women and children - and was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours in 2011 for her humanitarian work. 

Her leadership on humanitarian issues has been recognised with doctorates and fellowships from the world’s leading academic institutions, notably with the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, where she was awarded the Livingstone Medal. In 2017 Lennox became the first female chancellor for Glasgow Caledonian University.

In 2008, she founded The Circle, which became an official charitable non-governmental organisation in 2015. The Circle aims to inspire, support and amplify awareness of the issues experienced by some of the world’s most disempowered women and girls - in order to change and challenge the injustices they face.

Adwoa Aboah

Adwoa Aboah, pictured, is a successful model and the co-founder of the highly influential and respected forum Gurls Talk

Adwoa Aboah, pictured, is a successful model and the co-founder of the highly influential and respected forum Gurls Talk

Recently honoured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list for 2019, 26-year-old Adwoa Aboah is the co-founder of the highly influential and respected forum Gurls Talk, which acts as an open social platform for women to discuss an array of topics and experiences in a safe and judgement-free environment.

Adwoa’s work with Gurls Talk is expansive; from global events already held in Italy, Poland, Turkey, USA, UK and soon Ghana and France, to hosting the weekly Gurls Talk podcast and commanding policy change in the UK on period poverty. Adwoa’s voice and actions have made a huge impact on the lives of women and girls around the world.

Aboah grew up in west London with her parents and sister. During her youth, she was a member of the prestigious National Youth Theatre, then went on to study at Brunel University and the New York Film Academy. With an interest in visual and performance art, Aboah was drawn to the idea of modelling as a means by which to explore character development, leading to her first editorial for i-D Magazine.

Since then, Aboah’s extensive editorial portfolio includes stories for the American, British, Spanish, German, Italian, Mexican, and Teen editions of Vogue, along with W, Document Journal, Out of Order, and i-D magazine. She has starred on the covers of American, Spanish, Italian and Mexican Vogue, LOVE, and most notably, Edward Enninful’s first edition of British Vogue and Time Magazine, where she was crowned a Next Generation Leader.

Named as 2017’s Model of The Year by the British Fashion Council as a personality standing firm in her beliefs, Adwoa has become in-demand for an array of fashion houses and brands aiming to show their support of her social initiatives and philanthropy endeavours by featuring her in their advertising campaigns. This includes Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Dior, Giorgio Armani, John Hardy, Marc Jacobs, Nike, Revlon and Miu Miu.

Julia Gillard, pictured, was Prime Minister of Australia from 2010 to 2013 and is notably the first woman to ever serve in that role

Julia Gillard, pictured, was Prime Minister of Australia from 2010 to 2013 and is notably the first woman to ever serve in that role

Julia Gillard AC

Julia Gillard is patron of CAMFED, Chair of the Global Partnership for Education, and Chair of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London. 

Julia also serves as chair of Beyond Blue, which is committed to helping Australians understand and manage anxiety and depression, is a Distinguished Senior Fellow with the Centre for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, and serves as an Honorary Professor at the University of Adelaide. 

Gillard was Prime Minister of Australia from 2010 to 2013 and is the first woman to ever serve in that role. In recognition of her public service, she was awarded a Companion in the Order of Australia in January 2017.

Angeline Murimirwa

Angeline Murimirwa is executive director of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Africa and co-founder of CAMA, CAMFED’s alumnae, a powerful pan-African network of young women leaders, now numbering 120,000 members across Zimbabwe, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi.

Angeline Murimirwa, pictured, is executive director of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Africa

Angeline Murimirwa, pictured, is executive director of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Africa

Murimirwa was one of the first beneficiaries of bursary support from CAMFED and so represents CAMA’s deep lived experience of poverty and the threat this poses to girls and young women in rural communities. 

Now she oversees the work of CAMFED across five countries in Africa and works alongside the UK based Chief Executive, Lucy Lake, in driving forward the vision, mission and strategy of CAMFED and positioning CAMA as a powerful force for development. 

CAMA’s leaders are stepping up to unite their communities in a collective effort to change the status quo for women and girls, making the world a safer, healthier, and more prosperous place.

Murimirwa served on the Board of the Zimbabwe National Youth Council. In 2017, the Clara Lionel Foundation presented her with the 2017 Diamond Ball Honors Award, recognising her past, present and future support of young leaders, entrepreneurship and civic engagement. 

In 2018, Murimirwa and a group of CAMA leaders from across five countries met with the Duke of Sussex in Lusaka, Zambia, for a special event organized by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust in celebration of what young change-makers are achieving in their communities.

Chrisann Jarrett

Chrisann Jarrett, pictured, founded an equal access to higher education campaign called Let Us Learn in 2014

Chrisann Jarrett, pictured, founded an equal access to higher education campaign called Let Us Learn in 2014

Chrisann Jarrett, 24, founded an equal access to higher education campaign called Let Us Learn in 2014. She recently graduated with a law degree from LSE. The campaign has grown from 3 young people to over 1000 with 25 active volunteers. In 2015 she helped to collate evidence and submitted them in an Intervention in the Supreme Court R v Tigere, a case which led to a national change in the student finance rules for young migrants. 

In 2016 the campaign launched a scholarship campaign (Young, Gifted and Blocked) which subsequently led to over 16 universities widening their scholarship criteria to include young migrants with unsettled status. Jarrett works part-time on Let Us Learn and is currently seconded to Greater London Authority as a Policy Advisor working with the Deputy Mayor of London for Social Integration.

Jarrett has spoken at the United Nations IDM in New York, speaking to dignitaries about the importance of youth and ensuring mechanisms for true participation in migration governance using her experience at City Hall and Let Us Learn to anchor her suggestions on best practice.

Anne McElvoy

Anne McElvoy is Senior Editor at the Economist and was its global Policy Editor from 2010 to 2016. She writes on political and international affairs and runs Economist Radio, the company’s audio arm.

Anne McElvoy, pictured, is Senior Editor at the Economist and was the publication's global Policy Editor from 2010 to 2016

Anne McElvoy, pictured, is Senior Editor at the Economist and was the publication's global Policy Editor from 2010 to 2016

McElvoy has also written weekly politics column for the Evening Standard for 15 years and was previously Executive Editor for a decade.

A presenter of Start the Week on BBC Radio4, the Moral Maze and Free Thinking for the BBC, she is an experienced live broadcaster and series maker of political history and current affairs.

She holds a first class honours degree in German and Philosophy from Wadham College, Oxford and studied at the Humboldt University in Berlin. Her two books on modern Germany, include an international best-seller, Memoirs of a Spymaster, Markus Wolf.

As The Times’s correspondent in East Berlin, she reported the fall of the Berlin Wall. Subsequently she covered the Yugoslavia and Chechnya wars and was the paper’s bureau chief in Moscow during the rise of Vladimir Putin. 

McElvoy received the Journalist of the Year/Women in Public Life award in 2015. She is an education board member of the World Economic Forum at Davos and the education and digital planning board of the Royal Opera House in London.

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Meghan Markle joins Annie Lennox for International Women's Day event

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