Meghan Markle just sent an important message to young girls everywhere

This week marks International Day of the Girl, with Friday seeing high profile names and brands honouring the day in special ways.

Leading the tributes was the royal family, with Meghan Markle - known for her protocol-breaking feminist speeches - addressing girls across the world in a powerful speech.

'Every girl has potential,' Meghan says in the speech posted to the Sussex Royal Instagram account. 'She has promise. She has the right to learn, the right to be heard, the right to play, and to discover. The right to be exactly who she is.'

Meghan continues: 'So, to each one of you — keep asking questions. Keep pushing forward. Keep shining brightly. Know your worth, and know that we are behind you every step of the way.'

'Today is International #DayoftheGirl, a day observed globally and created by the United Nations to acknowledge the gender inequality that exists worldwide,' the caption reads. 'Be it lack of access to education, stigma surrounding MHM, forced child marriage, legal or medical inequality, or gender-based violence, there is a pressing need to support young women in their path to excellence.

'It is also a day to celebrate and encourage girls to know their value and to support them in taking action to grow into the women they wish to be. The Duchess of Sussex has been a long time advocate for women’s and girls rights and at the age of eleven campaigned against a sexist advertisement, which was then changed. No matter what age, or what background you have the power to make an impact.

'To all of the young girls reading this today on International Day of the Girl, that quote is for you.'

This is a very important message.