Melinda French Gates’ Post

If we can fix this country’s broken caregiving system, then we can enable women to more fully step into their power—and, as a result, improve society as a whole. That's just one of the many reasons why #CareCantWait.

At some point in our lives, all of us will need to care for a loved one—or be cared for ourselves. Raising young kids. Supporting an aging parent. Caring for a sick friend. Braving a life-changing diagnosis. Despite how universal these experiences are, our society doesn’t do enough to support those who are navigating them. And since women are usually the ones filling the gaps—holding down a job while juggling multiple care responsibilities, or leaving a job to manage them—it’s their lives and careers that are impacted the most. Our current caregiving system isn’t working, and we need leaders across all sectors of society to come together to fix it. That’s why my company, Pivotal Ventures, is working alongside leaders in business and government to make care more affordable for families and get caregivers the support they deserve. Ultimately, we’re focused on unlocking a once-in-a-generation investment in innovative solutions that will transform the way we care for our loved ones. As we look to this year’s elections and think about the issues that really matter to us, I hope that care finally gets the attention and prioritization it deserves. It’s about growing our national economy. It’s about advancing gender equality. It’s about strengthening families and communities. But most of all, it’s about supporting the people we love. #CareCantWait

Venture capital can be a major engine for economic growth and societal change. But right now, the industry doesn’t reflect the diverse country we live in—women receive just 2 percent of VC funding, with Black women and Latina founders receiving only a fraction of that percentage. When you think about it, it’s ironic that the people who are looking for disruptive ideas keep expecting it to come from the same source. That’s why my company, Pivotal Ventures, backs funds and founders who are solving tough problems, turning a profit, and proving that diversity seeds innovation.

I'm excited to join the 2024 Global Inclusive Growth Summit this week -- tune in tomorrow!

I’m so inspired by Psalms Joseph, who’s working hard every day to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor. And thanks to YouthForce NOLA, she has a whole community standing behind her, making sure nothing gets in the way of her dreams. Here’s to the future Dr. PJ! Discover more stories of good people doing great things at https://m-gat.es/3Q17YIZ

Africa has the greatest proportion of female entrepreneurs in the world. But I hear the same story from so many of them: they can't acquire the loans they need to start or grow their business.    Worldwide, there’s a $1.7 trillion gap between the credit women need and what they’re able to get. It’s time to change that. Here’s how.

Anyone who’s cared for a sick or aging loved one knows that it can be a deeply meaningful experience—and also a daunting one. Our country must do more to get caregivers like Ruth the support they need so they can be there for the people they love.

This is just a snapshot of the innovative, lifechanging work the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's partners are doing around the world. So inspiring!

Alternate headline: “Closing the gender gap in the workplace could fuel global growth, study reveals.” While this report illuminates the many barriers that keep women from entering the workplace on equal footing, it also paints an optimistic picture of what's possible when those barriers start coming down.