Meghan’s birthday video

[Greenlittle]

I like the idea and I like the video. (Not that keen on the big desk) And I though MM looked...alive!

Not sure who the other woman was. But there was good chemistry.

But how will a mentor pay for childcare?................................

@Roussette

I wonder "why" on every single thread like this. They're gone. They support themselves. They don't live here, Harry's not coming back, they have a great life with their little family in the US and what they are doing is good and getting better.

I think some posters need to just let go and accept it.
Maybe as @Zuluqueen says...start looking at what our tax funded royal family are doing.
What about the changing of laws to benefit their wealth whilst exempting themselves from the green laws we all have to adhere to??
Crickets on that

The criticism Meghan gets reminds me of the same criticisms someone like Simone Biles, Osaka, Serena & Kamala have been getting over the past few weeks. It’s all too familiar, it’s hidden, layered, and nicely tucked in but it’s clear as day that they are the type of women who have to meet an impossible standard to be believed, to matter and to be heard. The same words are used for them, manipulative, self important, self centered, self serving etc etc. We all know that Meghan is not tax payer funded, she is not a working royal and she is is on maternity leave. This was her milestone birthday and she thought of this initiative, it’s maybe meh to other people maybe it will flop. But she does not deserve vitriol for this.

That's just rude Lola

Pigeonholing people in a derogatory way like that is just rude.

Helping women to titivate their CVs and practise interview techniques etc could be very useful for some people. The slight problem I have with doing it in such a high profile way is that it reinforces the idea that women out of work is a problem for the individual to solve, which is not very helpful. It's classic Conservative ideology, nothing to see here, certainly nothing that is the responsibility of the state or business.. no, the issue is the quality of your CV. I wish they would at least discuss the real problem, the systemic changes that are needed, that could change the lives of millions of women, not just 40. And in the meantime get on with this fun but not hugely meaningful project.

@ElspethFlashman

I have to admit I do not understand the 40 minutes to get someone back into work thing.

Are these women supposed to offer them a job or something? If not, I don't understand how it would help someone?

I mean, say I was unemployed and Beatrice rang me. She seems like a lovely person but what could she actually do to help??

I was pondering on the same.

Does anyone know how this is supposed to work? What's the route in? Is the mentoring just a one off 40mins chat with anyone off that list or is the idea that it's a longer term mentoring commitment? Is their any profession/mom matching up.

The answers to the above will make a big difference to my view on this (although I still think 40x$40k and run properly by a designated company would reach/benefit more people).

Until someone is able to put some meat on the bones of the idea I remain very sceptical.

@Zuluqueen

Spit on
Seen it all with Biles, Osaka, and of course Serena. Can't imagine why.
So predictable. So obvious.

@LolaSmiles

This. I shouldn’t be shocked but I am. MM threads never disappoint Meghan threads always go the same way:

Group 1: The Meghan haters, will probably find anything to hate on even as far as they didn't like her shoes or she wore sunglasses in the sun (minority)

Group 2: The majority, will have an opinion on the topic or issue at hand based on what a public figure does or says in the public domain. They have no strong feelings on Meghan as a person either way. (Most people)

Group 3: the Meghan fan club, who will take anything other than fawning adoration as a sign everyone hates Meghan and tell everyone off for not being suitably adoring of how wonderful, lovely, liberal, progressive Meghan. (minority)

Im not a Meghan fan girl but I have defended her in threads where racism, sexism and outright bullying was rife without many calling it out. If that’s those Mumsnet numbered threads constitute majority of fair criticism then that shows that the fan club are/ were really lacking because this woman gets hammered in here most of the time.

there

That's just rudeLola
Pigeonholing people in a derogatory way like that is just rude.
It's not rude at all.

I love how several posters can start with the look at the mean meghan haters... everyone hates everything meghan does but if you point out that there's:

1. People who have a gripe against her for whatever reason
2. Most reasonable people who have no strong feelings about her either way, but comment on a public figure in the public domain
3. Meghan lovers who seem intent on viewing any challenge or criticism as people hating on meghan (as opposed to discussing the actions of a public figure)

It's apparently rude and awful.

Helping women to titivate their CVs and practise interview techniques etc could be very useful for some people. The slight problem I have with doing it in such a high profile way is that it reinforces the idea that women out of work is a problem for the individual to solve, which is not very helpful. It's classic Conservative ideology, nothing to see here, certainly nothing that is the responsibility of the state or business.. no, the issue is the quality of your CV. I wish they would at least discuss the real problem, the systemic changes that are needed, that could change the lives of millions of women, not just 40. And in the meantime get on with this fun but not hugely meaningful project.
Well said. It's textbook passing the buck based on the idea that women would get places if only they as individuals did X Y Z, when in reality there's huge issues.

With a platform like Megan's she could do some really powerful work instead of this.

Zuluqueen
It's totally right to call out racism.

It's wrong for people to routinely argue that challenging or criticising the actions of a public figure is hating on them. For example, people on this thread have commented their views on this initiative. Sure enough it's met with meghan haters will always hate her. It's not hating on a public figure to disagree with something they do, or question their public actions. It's a standard part of public debate.

Until someone is able to put some meat on the bones of the idea I remain very sceptical.

The things is most of the negative posters would not stick around to see this. They will only have something to say if it flops, or if someone on the list drops out and the DM run a story of fighting / mismanagement whatever but if it does well like Smart works and Grenfell they won't mention it again.

Well... I'd love to know what 'category' you put yourself in.
Yes, rude.
I don't 'fawn' I'm not part of a fan club. I do however hate the incessant bullying of her. Make of that what you will.

Yes she is using her platform to do something worthwhile
This.
These 40 people which will grow to more didn't just happen. She made it happen

Its a lovely sentiment, to mentor unemployed women. However it has become increasingly obvious (with covid) that the childcare falls to woman. No childcare = no employment. Yes, lets look after the women in society, but how will a mentor sort out the childcare issue?

@hangonamo

Helping women to titivate their CVs and practise interview techniques etc could be very useful for some people. The slight problem I have with doing it in such a high profile way is that it reinforces the idea that women out of work is a problem for the individual to solve, which is not very helpful. It's classic Conservative ideology, nothing to see here, certainly nothing that is the responsibility of the state or business.. no, the issue is the quality of your CV. I wish they would at least discuss the real problem, the systemic changes that are needed, that could change the lives of millions of women, not just 40. And in the meantime get on with this fun but not hugely meaningful project.

This is the same BS excuse that was given by those who were criticising Markus Rashford for his children meals. As if communities must sit on their hands when there are problems they can help out with.

If you bothered to scroll down Archewell actually gives out advise on how the project works. There are also people who have posted how they did the mentoring.

archewell.com/40x40/

@Greenlittle

I have no desire to judge your effectiveness. I think every initiative helps and it must be really hard as a mum with disabled children.

I’m surprised that you are so negative about other initiatives. You do realise there are lots of different needs, so why be judgemental of how other women are trying to help? Perhaps MM knows women who want mentoring and or help with contacts and she is doing something about it?

I think loads of women work in the service industry and many have lost jobs, nothing to do with child care responsibilities, as such. Perhaps these women would love contacts, cv help if any other pointers to change industries, set up their own business or whatever

I’m not ‘so negative about other initiatives’. Just very sceptical about this one for a number of reasons.

I do admit thought that I have conflated issues and that this initiative is aimed at the covid related impact on women. For some women like myself this is a permanent issue regardless of covid and it is something I’m sensitive about so I’ve crossed wires and agree it’s not aimed at people in my situation.

I do still agree with others this is a vanity project, but i guess the question is are vanity projects ok as long as they help at least one other person? I’m not sure I can answer that. I think I perhaps see it as those in need being used by those who are rich and privileged who just want to raise their profile, seek attention or just feel good about themselves. And something just doesn’t sit right with me on that. Especially when, like in this case, it’s centred around themselves on their own birthday.

But Mummy that's positive detail.!
Some just do not want to know about that. Doesn't fit

Even after so long MN are still hoping she will fall flat on her face by ridiculing anything she does thinking it will make a difference - honestly the contradictions on MN are astounding at times.

Well those who are hoping for a fail, better pull up a chair, cause they are going to be here for a while. Doesn't look like that is happening any time soon. lol

@callmeadoctor

Its a lovely sentiment, to mentor unemployed women. However it has become increasingly obvious (with covid) that the childcare falls to woman. No childcare = no employment. Yes, lets look after the women in society, but how will a mentor sort out the childcare issue?

It is not only women with childcare responsibilities that have lost work, there are other sections of society who also need help and that's what she is doing. In the U.S. Maybe there are other prominent people out there who can focus on the issue of childcare. Young people have also disproportionately lost their jobs as wells minority groups with and without children. She can't do it all!

The better way to help women is to give them work rather than mentor ship.

I remember listening to someone good on this who said it was changing in the workplace. Mentoring ie giving advice was being replaced by actual allocation of work because it was the latter that made the difference.

Beatrice advice is from such a place of privilege that I’m not sure it can connect. But actually giving someone paid work is better (is she the one in an art gallery? I can’t remember).

There’s something about advice from big names that irks. As it seems PR heavy but reality light.

I’d prefer a switch to above - ie not just resting on mentoring - which is now the more updated way to approach it in some workplaces.

@LolaSmiles

Zuluqueen It's totally right to call out racism.

It's wrong for people to routinely argue that challenging or criticising the actions of a public figure is hating on them. For example, people on this thread have commented their views on this initiative. Sure enough it's met with meghan haters will always hate her. It's not hating on a public figure to disagree with something they do, or question their public actions. It's a standard part of public debate.

This I agree with, yes she is in the public domain and people have a right to comment and be cynical about her initiatives. But what I don’t get & maybe that’s just me is why her? Why not the other British royals. There has been so much stuff in the news in the past week and you would expect to find really interesting discussions about the role of the royals and their shenanigans on here but there is nothing. I guess someone would say why not start a thread if you are so pressed.. so there is that. I’m just fascinated that the British royals who matter get a pass on here.

But all these people aren't rich and privileged. Some are. But many are hugely worthwhile leaders in their field.
I just know this is going to be labelled just rich celebs when it really is not.
And I, and others, have said this on this thread countless times

@MarshaBradyo

The better way to help women is to give them work rather than mentor ship.

I remember listening to someone good on this who said it was changing in the workplace. Mentoring ie giving advice was being replaced by actual allocation of work because it was the latter that made the difference.

Beatrice advice is from such a place of privilege that I’m not sure it can connect. But actually giving someone paid work is better (is she the one in an art gallery? I can’t remember).

There’s something about advice from big names that irks. As it seems PR heavy but reality light.

I’d prefer a switch to above - ie not just resting on mentoring - which is now the more updated way to approach it in some workplaces.

Totally agree.

Btw I don’t usually comment on MM threads but I can see it’s hard to make comments that aren’t just she’s great now as it is said to be bullying etc.

I’m not commenting on her personally but the public campaign and if it resonates to me.

Roussette
I also disagree with bullying her.
I don't believe anyone criticising the public actions and public projects of public figures is bullying.
Unfortunately some people aren't very good at distinguishing between the two.

People should be able to challenge this initiative without being labelled Meghan haters or bullies, just like they should be able to challenge any public figure launching a project without being called a bully.

You think helping these 40 women is a worthwhile project and seemingly think it shouldn't be questioned. I think it might be a nice thing for those 40 women but it's grounded in the view that women just need to be a bit better and they'll they'll well, and I think so far it looks much like many other celeb vanity project that skims the surface and doesn't do much to address systemic issues. I don't consider that opinion to be bullying, some on this thread would consider it bullying and meghan hate.

@MarshaBradyo

I think the women who received work from Smartworks mentorship programme will disagree with you.

You just have to do a quick scroll down, and see the number of 'she got the job' posts on the people they helped.

twitter.com/SmartWorksHQ