Melinda French Gates to give $1 billion to women’s rights groups

Melinda French Gates has announced a $1 billion donation over the next two years to support women and family rights globally, including reproductive rights. In a New York Times opinion piece, she emphasized the urgency of supporting women’s organizations facing increasing restrictions on abortion and other rights. French Gates’ decision follows her recent departure as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which she co-founded with her ex-husband, Bill Gates. The donation includes $200 million for women’s rights organizations and $240 million in partnerships with global leaders like Jacinda Ardern and Allyson Felix to improve women’s health. French Gates highlighted the broader societal benefits of investing in women and girls and expressed her commitment to using her resources to advocate for gender equality and safety. Her departure from the Gates Foundation, effective June 7, marks the end of a significant chapter in her philanthropic career, during which she and Bill Gates contributed substantially to global health and equity initiatives.

Source: NPR
Image Source: Chatham House, London, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons