Meeting at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on September 24, 2014 in New York City. This Friday, Melinda French Gates will officially end her tenure as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation . According to athe philanthropist released on X last month, her next venture will be a $12.5 billion commitment to work on behalf of women and families. In the world of philanthropy, this is a big move; for the future course of women’s rights, it’s potentially seismic.
Economic power is social power is political power. In that regard, French Gates holds immense power, and with a laser focus on shaping the future of women’s rights, the implications are profound. In her statement, French Gates made clear where she’s set her sights, stating, “This is a critical moment for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world—and those fighting to protect and advance equality are in urgent need of support.
The recent funding announcement highlighted key areas that hold women back, including women’s health. The $1 billion commitment includes grants to be made by Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, with $200 million going to U.S. organizations protecting women’s rights—including the Center for Reproductive Rights, MomsRising Education Fund and the—with a noted emphasis on women’s reproductive freedom.