Melinda French Gates: Advocating for Gender Equality in the Global Economy

Melinda French Gates: It’s great to be here, William. Thank you for having me.

William Brangham: These issues are at the forefront of discussions this week as world leaders convene in Washington, D.C., for meetings hosted by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. One of the voices advocating for a more equitable economy is Melinda French Gates, who serves as the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a funder of the “NewsHour.”

Consider this: In at least 93 countries, it is legally acceptable to pay women less for doing the exact same job as a man. This is just one example of the many ways in which women are denied economic equality. These disparities not only affect women but also their children, families, and communities at large. The United Nations estimates that closing the gender gap, whether in pay or in access to loans and capital, could give the global economy a $7 trillion boost.

Melinda Gates joins us today to discuss these pressing matters. Welcome back to the “NewsHour,” Melinda.