By B. Linus Flomo
The Liberian 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, has been selected by Melinda French Gates to receive $20 million grant fund.
This fund is intended to be distributed to charitable organizations and grassroots leaders dedicated to advancing women’s health and well-being in the United States and globally.
The initiative is part of Gates’ ongoing commitment to empowering women and supporting vital, groundbreaking work in the field of women’s health.
Gbowee, renowned for her role in leading a women’s peace movements that brought an end to the Second Liberian civil war, continues to be a formidable advocate for women’s rights and social justice.
Her selection for this significant grant underscores her continued influence and dedication to humanitarian efforts.
Melinda French Gates, born Melinda Ann French on August 15, 1964, is an esteemed philanthropist and former multimedia product developer and manager at Microsoft.
She co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000 with her then-husband, Bill Gates, which has since become the world’s largest private charitable organization.
Despite their divorce in early May 2021, both Melinda and Bill Gates remain actively involved in the foundation’s work.
French Gates has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s most powerful women by Forbes magazine and was recognized as one of the BBC’s 100 women of 2021.
Gbowee expressed gratitude for the trust and responsibility bestowed upon her by French Gates.
“This grant is not just a financial boost but a validation of the tireless work of women around the world who fight every day for their health, rights, and dignity. I am honored to be part of this transformative journey,” she added.
The $20 million fund aims to address critical issues impacting women’s health and well-being, including maternal health, reproductive rights, and access to healthcare by channeling resources to grassroots leaders and organizations, the initiative hopes to foster sustainable change and empower women to take control of their health and future.
Melinda French Gates highlighted the importance of supporting women-led initiatives noting, “Women like Leymah Gbowee are at the forefront of change, demonstrating that when women lead, everyone benefits. This fund is a testament to our belief in the power of women to drive progress and create a more equitable world.”
Melinda French Gates is an American philanthropist, former multimedia product developer at Microsoft, and co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
She has been recognized for her leadership in global health, education, and women’s empowerment initiatives.
Gates is known for her advocacy and support of women’s rights and has been honored with numerous awards, including the US Presidential Medal of Freedom and the French Legion of Honour.
