Meghan Markle is celebrating her 41st birthday, and if it's anything like last year's milestone celebration the occasion may well be low-key.

After stepping back from her role as a senior royal, alongside her husband Prince Harry, and moving to the US, the Duchess of Sussex has kept a considerably lower profile.

But just because she isn't in the spotlight as much, doesn't mean the mum-of-two is going to stay silent on the subjects that really matter to her.

From her powerful speech on the importance of gender equality at a UN Women summit in 2015, to discussing the significance of women's suffrage while on a royal tour of New Zealand in 2018, the royal has long been a vocal advocate for women's issues.

So what better way to mark her birthday than to take a look back at some of Markle's most powerful quotes on feminism and women’s rights from over the years?

On men being feminists too

Earlier this year the US Supreme court ended constitutional protections for abortion that have been in place for nearly 50 years by deciding to overturn the landmark Roe v Wade ruling.

In response to the decision, the Duchess of Sussex and feminist icon Gloria Steinem shared their thoughts on the US Supreme Court's controversial ruling in a joint interview for Vogue.

When asked what she would say to men who support reproductive rights, Markle told journalist Jessica Yellin that men "need to be vocal in this moment and beyond because these are decisions that affect relationships, families and communities at large".

"They may target women, but the consequences impact all of us," she continued. "My husband and I talked about that a lot over the past few days.

"He’s a feminist too.

"I know that for so many women right now, there is a sentiment of despair," she added. "But again, we have to band together and not wallow. We have to do the work."

On needing female activists

July 2020: In a speech at Girl Up, a UN conference aimed at young female activists, she said: “This is a humanity that desperately needs you. To push it, to push us, forcefully in a more inclusive, more just, and more empathetic direction.

“To not only frame the debate, but be in charge of the debate – on racial justice, gender, climate change, mental health and wellbeing, on civic engagement, on public service, on so much more. That’s the work you’re already out there doing.

“Girl Up members are organising Black Lives Matter protests around the world, you are creating films to encourage your peers to become activist leaders, you are reforming the criminal justice system, you are telling your school boards we need more mental health resources for all ages, you are leading coalitions to end gun violence."

Watch: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at the UN General Assembly

On empowering young male feminists

March 2020: During a surprise school visit ahead of International Women's Day Markle called on teenage boys to "value and appreciate" the women in their lives, urging them to "set the example for some men who are not seeing it that same way".

“I think what’s really key for all of you to remember is especially looking at the people who have paved the way for you to get to this point in your lives and be able to have the access that you do, it’s not just an opportunity to continue that, it’s a responsibility," she said.

“So I just encourage and empower each of you to really stand in your truth, to stand for what is right, to continue to respect each other, for you young men to continue to value and appreciate the women in your lives and also set the example for some men who are not seeing it that same way.”

On why feminism is about fairness

October 2018: In a speech made in New Zealand shortly after they were married, she said: “Women’s suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness.

“Women’s suffrage is not simply about the right to vote for women, but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of all people, including those members of society who have been marginalised whether for reasons of race, gender, ethnicity or orientation, to be able to participate in the choices for their future and their community.”

Read more: International Women's Day: The Royal Family's most feminist moments

On women supporting each other

September 2019: In a speech at the launch of her Smart Works capsule collection, Markle said: “As women, it is 100% our responsibility, I think, to support and uplift each other, to champion each other as we aim to succeed, to not set each other up for failure but instead to really be there rallying around each other and say I want to help you.”

On why women's rights matter to her

September 2019: Speaking to people who work at The Justice Desk in South Africa, the Duchess of Sussex said: “The rights of women and girls is something that is very close to my heart, and the cause I have spent the majority of my life advocating for because I know that when women are empowered, the entire community flourishes.

“I read a quote a few weeks ago and it resonated with me as I’ve been watching what’s been happening here and your active efforts. Maya Angelou, the legendary poet and civil rights activist, once said: ‘Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly without claiming it, she stands up for all women.’”

On why men should show vulnerability

March 2019: In a panel debate after she was given her commonwealth role, which marked International Women’s Day in 2019, she said: “I’ve said for a long time, you can be feminine and a feminist.

“You can be masculine and a feminist, and I think in terms of masculinity you understand that your strength includes knowing your vulnerability.”

She later said: “Your confidence comes in knowing that a woman by your side, not behind you, is actually something you shouldn't be threatened about but, opposed to that, you should feel really empowered in having that additional support. That this is really about us working together.

“That's what gender equality means for me, and having men part of that conversation saying there's nothing threatening about a woman coming up to the same level. It's our safety in numbers. This is our power and our strength as a team. And that's gender neutral, if you really think about it. So I hope that men are part of the conversation. My husband certainly is.”

Read more: Meghan Markle's six most significant royal moments in 600 days

On the importance of speaking out

October 2014: Markle was best known during her acting days as playing Rachel Zane on Suits. As reported by the Irish Independent, in 2014 she refused to keep doing scenes where she was wrapped in a towel.

“This season, every script seemed to begin with ‘Rachel enters wearing a towel.’

“And I said, ‘Nope! Not doing it anymore. Not doing it!’

“I called the creator and I was like, 'It's just gratuitous. We get it.’

“You've already seen it once, so I think at a certain point, you feel empowered enough to just say ‘no’.”

Read more: Meghan Markle urges girls to 'chase convictions with action' in powerful speech

On period shame and education

March 2017: In an article for Time magazine she said: “As a female in India, the challenge of survival begins at birth, first overcoming female feticide, then being victim to malnourishment, potentially abuse, and lack of access to proper sanitation facilities. Why, if she is able to overcome all of these challenges and finally get to school, should her education and potential to succeed, be sacrificed because of shame surrounding her period?”

“To break the cycle of poverty, and to achieve economic growth and sustainability in developing countries, young women need access to education. When we empower girls hungry for education, we cultivate women who are emboldened to effect change within their communities and globally.”