Meghan Markle calls for better representation of mothers in Hollywood in powerful statement

Meghan and Prince Harry's Archewell Foundation funded the study, according to reports in Vanity Fair.

The duchess said in a statement: "My past experience as an actress, and now today as a producer and mother, have amplified my belief in the critical importance of supporting women and mums both behind the lens and in front of it.

"This report about the portrayal of mothers in entertainment highlights the gaps we need to fill to achieve true representation in the content we create and consume, and I’m honoured to support this work through the Archewell Foundation."

Geena Davis also told the publication: "The representation of motherhood seemed like such a throwback.

"It didn’t reflect modern reality anywhere near as closely as I had hoped or imagined."

Speaking about Meghan, Davis added: "We love having her support and the support of Archewell.

"We can’t do it without financial support like that, and it’s obviously a subject that’s very near and dear to her heart."

Reshma Saujani, the "Moms First" CEO received early support from the Archewell Foundation.

She said: "[Meghan] had a line she would say, and I always steal it from her: The most important title I have is mother.

"The one ask is to show our multidimensionality. Show us both as mums and workers, don’t just show one or the other. Show us as we are: both."

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The study found that mothers on television were not representative of the American population.

For example, there were no portrayals of mothers with disabilities, only 1.8 per cent were overweight and 6.2 per cent were from the LGBTQ+ community.

The study also found that fathers were depicted as the breadwinners of the family 90 per cent of the time on TV shows.

The report said: "Given these findings, we present the following recommendations to TV executives, producers, and writers, as well as to all of the moms who aren’t seeing themselves on screen.

"'Moms First' (experts on the support moms need to thrive) and the Geena Davis Institute (experts on the entertainment industry) are eager to support entertainment industry leaders in their efforts to more accurately portray motherhood on television."

Meghan, 42, is an avowed feminist and uses her platform to champion women's rights.

For example, on the Sussex.com website, the duchess's profile reads: "Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex is a feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity.

"Her lifelong advocacy for women and girls remains a constant thread in her humanitarian and business ventures."