Melinda Gates, co-chair of the renowned Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, announced her resignation from her role, marking June 7th as her final day at the foundation.

In a statement released on Monday, Melinda expressed the weight of her decision, emphasizing her deep pride in the foundation's accomplishments and its ongoing efforts to address global inequalities.

"This is not a decision I came to lightly," Melinda stated.

"I am immensely proud of the foundation that Bill and I built together and of the extraordinary work it is doing to address inequities around the world."

Acknowledging the critical role of the foundation's leadership, Gates expressed her confidence in its continued success.

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"I am taking this step with full confidence that the foundation is in strong shape, with its extremely capable CEO Mark Suzman, the Executive Leadership Team, and an experienced board of trustees in place to ensure all its important work continues," she said.

Melinda highlighted her forthcoming focus on advancing the cause of women and girls, both domestically and globally.

"This is a critical moment for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world—and those fighting to protect and advance equality are in urgent need of support," she remarked.

Under the terms of her agreement with Bill Gates, Melinda Gates will have an additional $12.5 billion to allocate towards her philanthropic endeavours.

"In leaving the foundation, I will have an additional $12.5 billion to commit to my work on behalf of women and families," Gates revealed.

"I'll be sharing more about what that will look like in the near future."

Gates' departure marks a significant transition for one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations. A

She now embarks on her next chapter of philanthropy with the global community eagerly waiting to witness and assess the impact of her efforts towards promoting equality and social justice.