Women’s Economic Power

We strive for a world where more women like Bhatari can access her bank account from home.

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“I recieve my pension sitting at home. I don’t need to ask anyone for help.” - Bhatari

Where public benefit applications are accessible for LaTina.

And where Hauwa can access business-building resources as strong as their will to succeed.

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It’s up to all of us

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

Building safe sanitation without data bias

Our Water, Sanitation & Hygiene program accelerates gender equality for women and girls. We generate gender-disaggregated data to inform the development of programs and products that increase women’s participation in sanitation decision-making at the household and policy level.

Learn more about Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

Agricultural Development

Making agriculture inclusive

Within our agriculture program we make investments in women’s empowerment which together help close systematic gender gaps in productivity and access to services, markets, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Learn more about Agricultural Development

Financial Services for the Poor

Banking on the future of women

Our financial services program works with partners to support gender equality initiatives, such as digitized government benefit payments, to ensure continued progress toward the promise of financial inclusion.

Learn more about Financial Services for the Poor

Polio

Eradicating gender barriers and polio

Through our Polio program’s eradication efforts, our partners have learned how to overcome gender barriers to working with people in the poorest and least accessible areas.

Learn more about Polio

From our Goalkeepers

To global partners

Association of African Women on Board the Conversation
International Vaccine Institute
Women in Global Health Inc
Science for Africa Foundation (SFA)
Grameen Foundation for Social Impact

View all committed grants

When women gain agency, it indirectly challenges some of the unwritten rules that say women are less than men.
Anita Zaidi
President, Gender Equality Division
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Discover more

Binta Diao, Eden Gatesi, Dr. Marie-Angelique Sene, Yaye Souadou Fall, and Dr. Shivon Byamukama

Melinda French Gates highlights five women inspiring change in their communities in Rwanda and Senegal

The global advocate for women and girls shares the stories of some extraordinary women whose vision and ingenuity are creating new possibilities for their countries and industries.
By Melinda French Gates Co-chair, Board Member, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Prioritizing gender equality can help us build back stronger from COVID-19

Prioritizing gender equality can help us build back stronger from COVID-19. Here’s how.

The pandemic has affected millions around the world, with women among the hardest hit. As economies rebuild, new data show that when we prioritize solutions that help women, all people benefit.
 Jashodaben conducts various activity modules with children  based on teacher training programs that she frequently attends in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Investing in child care: good for families, good for children, good for economies

Investing in child care means more income for families, better outcomes for children, and more inclusive economic growth.
By Yamini Atmavilas Senior Program Officer, Gender Equality, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation