The Duchess made a virtual appearance at the Global Citizen's Vax Live concert.

Meghan Markle has given a nod to female empowerment while speaking candidly at an event highlighting the importance of global vaccinations. The Duchess of Sussex, who is currently pregnant with her second child, was speaking at the Global Citizen's Vax Live concert and although she couldn't attend in person, her speech still packed a punch. During her virtual address, Meghan spoke about how women - and specifically women of colour - have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, "My husband and I believe it's critical that our recovery prioritizes the health, safety and success of everyone, and particularly women who have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic," she said. "With the surge in gender-based violence, the increased responsibility of unpaid care work, and new obstacles that have reversed so much progress for women in the workplace we're at an inflection point for gender equity." Meghan went on to reveal a frightening statistic, "Since the pandemic began, nearly 5.5 million women have lost work in the U.S., and 47 million more women around the world are expected to slip into extreme poverty" she added "Women, and especially women of colour, have seen a generation of economic gain wiped out." [caption id="attachment_523907" align="alignnone" width="582"] Credit - YouTube Global Citizen VAX Live [/caption] Meghan is pregnant with a little girl and according to reports, the necklace she wore is all about female empowerment. Designed by Awe Inspired and crafted from 14-carat gold vermeil, the necklace combines the female Venus symbol with a raised protesting fist. The gold pendant is also embellished with a purple amethyst that's associated with abundance and enlightenment. Meghan and her husband were serving as campaign chairs at the event and Prince Harry also gave an impassioned speech about the pandemic and how crucial it is to get vaccinated. You can watch the concert back in full below and Meghan's speech begins at 1.36.57.