‘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

Rihanna WARNS Tyla for Stealing Her Song and Copying Her Look: A Story of Artistic Integrity

The music industry has seen its fair share of feuds, but when a global icon like Rihanna speaks up, the world listens. And this time, the Fenty Beauty mogul and…

Donna Gushes Over Taylor’s iHeartRadio Win—Calls Her ‘My Daughter’ & Jokes Travis Is ‘Naughty’

It’s official—Donna Kelce is all in when it comes to Taylor Swift! The proud mother of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce couldn’t contain her excitement after Taylor’s record-breaking…

KAROLINA PROTSENKO TAKES OVER AMERICA’S GOT TALENT STAGE: From Violin to DANCE—Her Spontaneous Performance Will Leave You SPEECHLESS!

Music fans know Karolina Protsenko as a violin prodigy, mesmerizing crowds with her soulful, emotionally charged performances on the streets and social media. But no one expected…

Only THREE Texans Left on The Voice Season 27! Who Will Go the Distance?

      The 27th season of NBC’s hit series “The Voice” has three hopeful Texan constants remaining. The eight-time Emmy-winning show is a singing competition where…

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s $68 Million Mansion Rumor: Did They Really Just Drop That Cash? 🌟💰

Okay, here’s a news article in English based on the YouTube video transcript about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s alleged new mansion and future plans: Report: Taylor…

Inside Travis Kelce’s Jaw-Dropping $6 Million Mansion: The NFL Star’s Priciest Pad in 2025! 🏈💰

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, fresh off winning multiple Super Bowl rings and securing a lucrative contract extension, upgraded his living situation in 2022 with…