Another rip in billionaire marriage: Melinda Gates steps down from Gates Foundation

WASHINGTON: Melinda French Gates tendered her resignation as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on Monday, a position she has occupied since its inception in 2000.

The billionaire is renowned worldwide for her philanthropic efforts alongside her former husband Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

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The decision came as French Gates redirects her focus to advocate for women’s rights. The billionaire is aiming to put her focus towards advancing the cause globally. The resignation also shows a significant alteration in her philanthropic path.

The move will enable her to allocate an additional $12.5 billion to her work on behalf of women and families.

French Gates announced the resignation though a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In the past, French Gates talked about the “urgency” of safeguarding and furthering women’s rights worldwide.

Melinda divorced Bill Gates in May 2021 after almost twenty years of matrimonial bliss. Despite the matrimonial divide, the former couple continued to work together.

Meanwhile, her former spouse stated he was sad to get her go. However, he conceded her potential to make a bigger impact in her future philanthropic pursuits.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) is a large charitable organisation established by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates in 2000. The foundation is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

It is 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.

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Gates Foundation tackled severl plays a pivotal role in various initiatives, including endeavors to eliminate poverty and bolster healthcare systems globally, particularly in Africa and Asia. Notably, the foundation prioritizes combating diseases like malaria and polio, alongside broader endeavors for gender equality.