Washington, D.C. – Philanthropist Melinda French Gates has pledged a staggering $1 billion over the next two years to support women’s causes and promote gender equity worldwide. The announcement comes after a series of setbacks in reproductive rights in the United States, prompting French Gates to take action to provide much-needed support.
Approximately $200 million of the funds will be allocated to organizations advocating for gender and reproductive rights within the U.S. This move is a direct response to the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned the constitutional right to abortion, sparking concern and urgency within the pro-women’s rights community.
Through her company, Pivotal Ventures, French Gates plans to distribute the funds up to 2026. A significant portion of the donation, $20 million, will be allocated to a diverse group of 12 global leaders, empowering them to support various organizations addressing critical issues affecting women worldwide.
Furthermore, an additional $250 million will be set aside later this year to support organizations focused on enhancing women’s mental and physical well-being on a global scale. French Gates emphasized the importance of adequately funding causes related to women’s rights, noting the societal repercussions of neglecting these critical areas.
Among the grant recipients is the Center for Reproductive Rights, known for its unwavering advocacy for abortion rights and its legal representation of women challenging restrictive reproductive health measures across multiple states. The funding comes at a crucial time when the fight for reproductive rights is gaining more attention but not necessarily reflected in donations, highlighting the significance of French Gates’ contribution.
Other organizations set to benefit from French Gates’ donation include MomsRising, the National Women’s Law Center, and The 19th, all dedicated to supporting women’s economic security, leveraging law for gender equality, and promoting gender-focused news coverage, respectively. The National Domestic Workers Alliance also received a grant to support their advocacy efforts for workers in the caregiving industry.
In a statement, President Ai-jen Poo of the National Domestic Workers Alliance praised the grant for not only providing financial security but also for recognizing the importance of supporting women’s initiatives that have historically been underfunded. The generous donation serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to prioritize women’s rights and amplify their voices in all aspects of society. French Gates’ commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equity is a significant step towards addressing longstanding disparities and fostering a more inclusive and equal world for all.