The overarching theme for the evening was "strengthening numbers," with the event serving as a fundraiser to support organizations actively addressing issues related to violence against women. The event boasted a live auction with the iconic Lydia Fet at the helm, featuring a range of items and experiences from esteemed names like Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brien Peta, Jori, and others. Original artworks by Emily Yang Wumu and Cindy Sherman were also up for auction.
Journalist Lisa Ling took up hosting duties for this year's event, with co-chair positions held by luminaries such as Gloria Dyam, Salma Hayek, François Henry Pinel, Cindy Sherman, Christy Turlington, Olivia Wilde, Oprah Winfrey, Zoe Kravitz, and Malala Usafi. The proceeds from the gala went to support organizations actively combating gender-based violence, including the Malala Fund and the National Network to End Domestic Violence, as well as the New York City Alliance Against Assault.
Past attendees of the inaugural Caring for Women New York dinner included notable figures like Emma Watson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kelly Clarkson, Kim Kardashian, and Jodie Turner-Smith. While Megan Marle counts some of these guests among her close friends, such as Oprah, Gloria Dyam, and Kim Kardashian, her name was conspicuously absent from the guest list.
According to a source, Megan's absence from the event was attributed to a recent collaboration with Gloria. When Megan mentioned in a Vogue article that she ran into Gloria, this raised questions about her authenticity in the feminist movement. A true feminist doesn't bully other women into submission. While Gloria Steinem is renowned as a prominent writer and advocate in the feminist movement with a well-established position, Megan's associations seemed more opportunistic, driven in part by her royal title.
The breakdown in the working relationship consequently led to Megan being denied the privilege of attending such a significant event in support of women's causes. It is believed that Megan is using Gloria, a woman who is almost 90 years old. Gloria is a top writer for the feminist movement and has been for decades; people go to her, she doesn't need to be summoned. Megan thrives off positive commentary aimed at her, even gushing at Gloria for her kindness in complimenting her. We don't know a single famous person who's ever complimented someone of lower status than them in an important interview.
Gloria confirmed that Harry was indeed an advocate for women's rights and referred to the Sussex's chosen family. She told Vogue that Megan and Harry speaking out about the issue was vital. "It's very, very important," she said, "because what they both have is trust. We trust them, and nothing but nothing replaces trust. It's the most important quality or attribute. We can see things on television and not believe them or not trust them, but when people like these two tell us, then we trust it."
