Melinda French Gates sets standard for philanthropy in women’s rights

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

‘In nearly 20 years as an advocate for women and girls, I have learned that there will always be people who say it’s not the right time to talk about gender equality. Not if you want to be relevant. Not if you want to be effective with world leaders (most of them men). The second the global agenda gets crowded, women and girls fall off. ‘ – Melinda French Gates, Guest Essay, New York Times, May 28, 2024.

Beyond the Gates Foundation, Melinda French Gates has demonstrated her charitable abilities. After her 27-year marriage to Bill Gates ended in divorce, she received an astounding $12 billion from him as compensation for her charitable contributions. Additionally, a few days ago, she declared that Pivotal Ventures, her organisation, will donate $1 billion to women’s rights.

Melinda French Gates is a formidable individual. She was even listed as one of the most powerful women in the world by Forbes. Melinda looked like a career woman based on her portfolio. She was a manager and multimedia product developer at Microsoft before. She is a self-made woman who perseveres in her success despite her divorce from her ex-billionaire husband.

READ ALSO:-

• The Clash of Ideals: Feminism vs Alpha Males
• Bill Gates lauds Nigerian music industry, says Afrobeat is country’s impeccable export
• Widespread Agitation On The Reopening Of Lekki Toll Gate
• The Cruelty of Nigeria’s Security Operatives On The People
• Don Jazzy: A Music Producer Par Excellence

Melinda’s charitable exploits in women’s rights

Her column in the New York Times Magazine revealed her charity attempt. The advocate for gender equality outlined the inadequate funding for the cause of gender parity. The 59-year-old philanthropist vents her resentment at society’s lack of progress in the area of gender equality. This compels her to donate to organisations that support gender equality, women’s health, and reproductive rights.

Through her company Pivotal, Melinda has been providing donations to American organisations that promote gender equality, women’s rights, and reproductive health. In her piece, Melinda stated, “I offered a $20 million grant-making fund to 12 people whose work I admire, for them to use as they see fit.” I see a woman donating to a cause that is significant to women and humanity, despite some people’s objections that she is sharing her husband’s wealth. Ultimately, the greatest investment one can ever make is in human beings.

The philanthropist adds that this initiative will continue until 2026, keeping her 2021 commitment to provide $2.1 billion for gender equality. The kind-hearted philanthropist feels that she owes it to organisations and groups who work tirelessly to promote the physical and emotional well-being of women and girls around the world to pay them attention and support.