Public announcements or financial disclosures from the associated organizations or Melinda French Gates

Melinda French Gates Announces $1 Billion Donation for Women's Rights, Including Reproductive Rights, Over Two Years

May 28, 2024, 05:34 PM

Philanthropist Melinda French Gates has announced a $1 billion donation over the next two years to support women and families globally, including reproductive rights in the United States. This initiative marks a significant shift in her philanthropic efforts as she steps away from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The funding will be directed towards individuals and organizations working on behalf of women's rights, including groups that help domestic workers and those championing paid leave. French Gates emphasized the need for proactive support for women's rights, stating in a New York Times op-ed that the lack of funding has forced organizations into a defensive posture. This commitment is part of her broader goal to advance gender equity through her Pivotal Ventures Foundation. Notably, this is her second billion-dollar commitment in the past five years.