Melinda French Gates
USA
Philanthropist and founder of Pivotal, Melinda French Gates has made women’s health — and menopause in particular — a signature cause, directing major funding and public attention to a long-neglected field. In her 2026 New York Times essay she argued that the underfunding of menopause and midlife women’s health care is a solvable injustice. Her advocacy brings resources and visibility to the health of women in the second half of life.
