WASHINGTON: Melinda French Gates has announced her resignation as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a position she held since its establishment in 2000.
The billionaire, renowned worldwide for her philanthropic efforts alongside her former husband, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, is shifting her focus towards advocating for women’s rights.
The decision reflects a significant change in her philanthropic trajectory, allowing her to dedicate more time and resources to advancing the cause globally. This move will enable her to allocate an additional $12.5 billion to her work.
French Gates announced her resignation through a statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). She has previously emphasized the “urgency” of safeguarding and furthering women’s rights worldwide.
Melinda divorced Bill Gates in May 2021 after nearly twenty years of marriage, yet they continued to collaborate professionally.
Meanwhile, Bill Gates expressed sadness at her departure but acknowledged her potential to make a greater impact in her future philanthropic endeavors.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), a large charitable organization established by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates in 2000, is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It stands as one of the world’s largest charitable foundations, with a focus on improving global healthcare, reducing extreme poverty, and expanding educational opportunities, particularly in the United States.
The Gates Foundation plays a pivotal role in various initiatives, including efforts to eliminate poverty and strengthen healthcare systems globally, notably in Africa and Asia. It prioritizes combating diseases like malaria and polio, alongside broader endeavors for gender equality.
— Melinda French Gates (@melindagates) May 13, 2024
