Meghan Markle said she was “proud” to back and accessories brand which is donating 500 handbags to women seeking employment in the UK, a report has claimed.
The 41-year-old partnered with US-based company Cuyana in donating tote bags to clients supported by the Smart Works charity.
The Duchess of Sussex became patron of Smart Works in January 2019.
She retained the position even after deciding to step down from the Royal Family in 2020 as it was held in a private capacity.
Smart Works has a team of around 300 trained volunteers and helps long-term unemployed and vulnerable women regain the skills, confidence and tools to return to employment, the Mail Online has claimed.
Speaking about the charity’s recent work, Meghan said: “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the magic of Smart Works – women’s confidence and lives transformed.
“Smart Works invests in women so they know they can thrive in any workplace, and Cuyana is a company that is by women and for women, so this feels like the perfect fit.
“Similar to the Smart Set collection we created many years ago for Smart Works, this collaboration will support women in the UK as they mobilise back into the workforce.
“I am proud to bring these two together to further our shared mission of uplifting and empowering women all around the globe.”
Smart Works’ chief executive Kate Stephens suggested that fashion can play a significant role in helping women into work.
She said: “At Smart Works, we believe in fashion as a force for good.
“We know that when a woman looks and feels great about who she is; she can change her life.”
Ms. Stephens added that the bags would “bring joy and confidence to hundreds of the women we support setting them up for success ahead of their interviews”.
