‘He May Be Famous, But…’ – Melinda French Gates Speaks Out on Facing Sexism with Bill Gates

Melinda French Gates discusses facing sexism during her philanthropic work with Bill Gates, noting assumptions about her expertise.

Philanthropist Melinda French Gates shared how she faced sexism while working with her ex-husband and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Although the couple have been involved in philanthropy for 25 years, Melinda French Gates said that everyone looked to Bill Gates first as they assumed she knew less than him. US philanthropist Melinda French Gates reflected on facing sexism in philanthropy while working with Bill Gates. She emphasized the need to assert herself in meetings and expressed enthusiasm for her future role as the sole decision-maker in their philanthropic endeavors.(AFP)US philanthropist Melinda French Gates reflected on facing sexism in philanthropy while working with Bill Gates. She emphasized the need to assert herself in meetings and expressed enthusiasm for her future role as the sole decision-maker in their philanthropic endeavors.(AFP)

She told Vanity Fair, “If I went into a president or prime minister’s office and I was with my ex-husband, they would turn to him first. Unless I interrupted the conversation, they could have just kept going for the whole meeting. I get that he was well-known and did great things in the tech industry, but why would they assume I knew less than him about philanthropy when we had been doing it together for almost 25 years? Why make that false assumption? That, really, was sexism.”

Get Unlimited access to Hindustan Times E-paper and Archives at  1199/- per year

This made Melinda French Gates speak first in meetings to ensure she is heard, she shared.

She added, “I’ve been in situations in the last year where speakers will go to answer a question. Maybe there’s both men and women who want to answer, and for whatever reason the man gets in there first.”

On her work in the future, she said, “I feel extraordinarily energised about the work ahead. It feels like now is the right time. I never realised that going into my sixth decade, turning 60, could be so exciting. Now I’m the sole decision-maker about these resources. So that’s just—it’s different than before. Quite honestly, it feels quite good. When I get a meeting now, I know it’s because of me.”

Related Posts

💔 Shocking Revelation: The Devastating Reason Camilla Was Kicked Out of the Palace—Charles’ Protection Fails! 😱

  Queen Camila’s engagement ring has solidified her presence in the royal spotlight and sparked speculation about its meaning. Rumors suggest that King Charles is furious, and…

⚡ Katerina Strikes Back: Queen Camilla’s Disappointment Sparks Palace Chaos in a Royal Revenge Storm! 😱

< The royal family, once considered the epitome of unity and solidarity, has been facing tensions within the royal household. Queen Camila and Princess Catherine, both prominent…

😶 King Charles Left Speechless: Princess Anne Shares Queen Elizabeth’s Powerful Message About Catherine! 💬

In Buckingham Palace, Princess Anne revealed the truth about a prophecy left by Queen Elizabeth II during a private family gathering. The revelation left the royal family…

🚫 Princess Kate Takes Charge: Vowing to Block Harry & Meghan’s UK Return Plans! 😱

  The royal family’s tensions have escalated, with Princess of Wales drawing a Fame Line in the Sand regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s plans to establish…

👑✈️ Prince Harry Left Disappointed as Meghan Refuses to Join Deportation Trip Amid King’s Secret Offer to US! 😱

Prince Harry, now in California, is facing a storm of uncertainty due to his candid admissions of past drug use in his memoir. Meghan Markle, the former…

💀 Royal Palace Doctor Drops Bombshell: Prince Harry’s Hidden Secret About Death from a Rare Source Revealed! 😱

  Confidential has revealed a sexually transmitted disease (STD) allegedly tied to Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. The scandal has sent shock waves through the monarchy…