New Delhi: Melinda French Gates, philanthropist and women’s health advocate, has committed $215 million to improve research, treatment, and awareness around women’s health. Her total investment into women’s health in the past two years alone now stands at $600 million.
In a major push towards menopause and perimenopause care, on 4 June, Gates pledged an additional $215 million to the company Pivotal Ventures, where the funding will be used in advancing the health issues of women during reproductive age and mid-life age.
Gates founded Pivotal Ventures, an independent investment and philanthropic organisation, in 2015 to advance social progress. The company has several branches including Pivotal Philanthropies and Pivotal Initiatives Fund, to aid social progress for women and young people.
In an interview with Time, Gates said that she created Pivotal to “lift up all women” since they form the bedrock of society and of their families. Gates added that her aim was to try and bring about more equity for women.
“If you want proof that our health systems overlook women just look at menopause” wrote French Gates on her X post.
The initiative has also reignited conversations about gaps in medical education surrounding menopause. One statistic highlighted that only 31 percent of OB-GYN residents say their training includes information about menopause.
Social media users reacted emotionally to the announcement, with several women saying they finally felt “heard” about their struggles during menopause.
“I’m crying, I feel heard, because I am going through the most because of this stage. Menopause is the pits! This is an AMAZING initiative,” wrote an Instagram user.
Many women online described the funding as a long-overdue step towards addressing a healthcare issue that impacts nearly half the global population but continues to receive limited medical attention and research funding.
“Amazing news! What an incredible gift to womankind,” commented television personality Andrea McLean.
(Edited by Janaki Pande)