Billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates has pledged a substantial $1 billion commitment over the next two years to support women’s causes and promote gender equity globally. A portion of this donation, approximately $200 million, will be allocated to organizations advocating for gender and reproductive rights within the United States.
French Gates articulated her motivation for supporting U.S. reproductive rights in light of the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned the constitutional right to abortion. In a guest essay for The New York Times, she underscored the urgency of protecting women’s rights and advancing their influence in society.
This announcement follows French Gates’ recent decision to step back from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the philanthropic organization she co-founded with her former husband, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. The allocated funds will be channeled through her company, Pivotal Ventures, until 2026.
Part of the commitment involves allocating $20 million to a diverse group of 12 global leaders, empowering them to distribute funds to organizations of their choice by the end of 2026. Additionally, an earmarked sum of $250 million will be set aside later this year to support global organizations focused on women’s mental and physical health.
French Gates emphasized the critical importance of adequately funding causes related to women’s rights, noting that neglecting this area carries societal costs. She reflected on the possibility that her granddaughter might inherit fewer rights than she has, underscoring the urgency of the cause.
Among the grant recipients is the Center for Reproductive Rights, an organization dedicated to advocating for abortion rights and challenging reproductive health measures in various states. The funding is particularly timely amidst increased public debate and attention on reproductive rights.
Other beneficiaries include MomsRising, the National Women’s Law Center, The 19th, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance, all organizations at the forefront of advocating for women’s rights and gender equity.
Ai-jen Poo, president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, emphasized the significance of the grant not only in terms of financial support but also in highlighting the overdue recognition of women’s essential contributions to society. She emphasized that adequately resourcing women is long overdue, given their significant roles in the workforce and community care responsibilities.
