Bill Gates ex-wife and philanthropist Melinda Gates has offered followers a glimpse inside her office, showcasing three personal items that she says bring her joy while also reinforcing her long-standing advocacy for women’s advancement and leadership. In a video shared on social media platform Instagram, the Gates showed the viewers what she described as tour of “a few things that bring me JOY in my office.” The video shared featured various items such as a figurine of late US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a vintage board game titled “The Exciting Game of Career Girls,” and a piece of artwork displaying the word “JOY.” As per an Inc. report, the video has been viewed by more than 1.2 million people.
Ginsburg quote remains a source of inspiration
Among the items, French Gates highlighted a figurine gifted by her younger brother that honours Ginsburg, whom she described as a major influence. She used the item to draw attention to one of the late justice’s most widely cited observations: “Women belong in all places where decisions are made.” According to the report, French Gates also displayed a framed version of the quote signed by Ginsburg.The message aligns closely with French Gates’ philanthropic work, which has focused heavily on improving opportunities for women and families. Through Pivotal, the organisation she founded in 2015, she has directed significant investments toward women’s health and gender equality initiatives. Earlier this year, she pledged an additional $215 million to the organisation, bringing her total commitment over the previous two years to $600 million to support areas including contraception and maternal healthcare, according to Pivotal.
A reminder of progress for women
Another item featured in the office tour was “The Exciting Game of Career Girls,” a board game from the 1950s. The game, which depicts careers such as nurse, stewardess and teacher as desirable options for women, serves as a reminder of how opportunities have expanded over time, French Gates said. “It reminds me that we actually have made a lot of progress when you think about all the different types of careers women have these days,” she said, according to the report. The comments expand on a theme that has long shaped her public advocacy: increasing women’s participation in leadership roles and decision-making positions across society.
The artwork behind her desk
The final item in the office tour was a large artwork reading “JOY,” which hangs above her desk. According to French Gates, the letters are composed of numerous small human figures, symbolising the idea of shared happiness and community. “Each little blob represents a different person, and it’s a representation of collective joy,” she said. “If we have joy in our lives, if we share it with somebody else, it doubles that joy.” She added that the artwork frequently draws comments from people during video calls, with many noticing the word displayed behind her and responding positively to it.
Focus on women’s health
French Gates’s philanthropy centres on advancing women and families. In 2015 she founded Pivotal, an organisation focused on women’s health. Earlier this year she pledged an additional $215 million to it, bringing her total commitment over the past two years to $600 million, according to Pivotal’s website. The money is meant to expand global access to contraceptives and maternal care.
