Closing the Gender Pay Gap: Melinda French Gates on Economic Inequality and Women’s Empowerment

William Brangham: The world is facing an economic inequality crisis, with women in at least 93 countries being legally allowed to earn less for the same job as men. This issue is just one of the many ways in which women are denied economic equality. These disparities not only affect women but also their children, families, and communities.

Closing the gender gap in pay or access to loans and capital could give the global economy a $7 trillion boost, according to the United Nations. Discussions about these issues are at the forefront of meetings hosted by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund this week in Washington, D.C. Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a funder of “NewsHour,” joins us today to discuss these pressing matters. Welcome back to “NewsHour,” Melinda.

Melinda French Gates: Thank you for having me, William. It’s great to be here and discuss these important issues with you and your audience.