Meghan Markle Launches Mentoring Project for Gyeongdan Women

Meghan Markle, wife of Prince Harry of the United Kingdom
[Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Meghan Markle, wife of British Prince Harry, has launched a women's mentoring project to celebrate her 40th birthday. The initiative aims to support the social reintegration of women who have left the workforce, such as career-interrupted women (Gyeongdan-nyeo), following the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the 4th (local time), Markle announced through the charity organization Archwell Foundation, which she established with her husband, that "a project called '40x40,' where global figures provide 40 minutes of support each for women's return to the workplace," has been launched, CNN reported.

She stated, "Over the past two years, especially after COVID-19, tens of millions of women worldwide have left their jobs," adding, "In the United States alone, the number reaches about 2 million."

She continued, "Many women have borne unpaid labor such as household chores alone, suffering the greatest impact after the pandemic," and said, "I believe mentoring is one way to help women regain confidence and economic power."

Markle requested 40 prominent figures, including artists, athletes, and activists, to participate in the project. Included were British pop singer Adele, fashion designer Stella McCartney, poet Amanda Gorman who recited at President Joe Biden's inauguration, Sophie Gr?goire Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and American actress Melissa McCarthy.

Former Hollywood actress Markle was active as a social activist before her marriage in 2018. She has publicly supported the sexual assault reporting movement "Me Too (#Me too·I am also a victim)."