Manifesting Equality: Lessons from Melinda Gates on Using Our Platform to Lift Others

Last night, I had the privilege of attending a talk with Melinda French Gates, one of the most influential women in the world, with a net worth of around $30 billion. But what struck me most was not her wealth or status, but how human and unrehearsed she sounded as she shared her journey.

The reason became clearer, as Melinda spoke about her work and travels through Tanzania, India, and beyond, reflecting on what she’s learned about community, humility, and the importance of making space for others. This resonated greatly as I recognised this has been the mindset of many brilliant philanthropists, scientists and photographers that have graced my world. 

One memorable moment came when the interviewer asked where she got the billion dollars to fund women-founded projects through Pivotal Ventures. She answered simply and clearly: “It’s my money.” a moment that left the audience with both humour and admiration for Melinda’s long standing commitment to women’s health. 

Making Space in a World That Often Doesn’t

A key theme of her talk centred on the everyday reality many women face: how often they are politely ignored in important rooms because someone else is considered “more important.” Melinda reflected on the invisible barriers women still face across society, even though equality is something we all strive for.

She said, “We have to make space because we’re everywhere. And yet, we don’t.” This tension, between presence and invisibility, became a calling for her—a mission to ensure women are not just present, but valued and empowered.

Using Your Platform to Lift Others

What resonated deeply was Melinda’s insistence that if you have a platform, you must use it to lift others. She shared her own story of being lifted up by others: her parents who worked hard running a small business to send her and her siblings to college, and a scholarship funded by a wealthy family sending children to her college, who believed in supporting those in need.

“I got lifted up from someone else,” she said, “and I believe we all can lift someone else up in our lives. Everybody should.” This is the heart of Melinda’s equality mission, not just seeking personal success or equality, but actively creating space and opportunity for others to rise. It’s a call to each of us to recognize our privilege, however big or small, and to use it for collective growth.

Louise O'Driscoll, Founder of Manifest Edit, with Christina, Founder of Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus

What This Means for Us

Melinda’s message is clear: equality isn’t just an ideal; it’s an action. It’s about recognising when someone is being overlooked and stepping in to amplify their voice. It’s about using whatever platform you have, whether it’s wealth, influence, or simply your time, to make a tangible difference.

Manifest Edit takeaway:Let Melinda’s words be a reminder and a challenge, to reflect on how we can make space for others, how we can be intentional about lifting up voices around us, and how true equality requires all of us to act, not just hope.