Meet The Women Guardian Angels
In recent years, women do-gooders like MacKenzie Scott, Melinda Gates, and Laurene Powell Jobs have outperformed men in philanthropy and created a mark for themselves in the world
By : Swati Sharma
Update: 2024-11-16 18:47 GMT
Behind every successful man is a woman. But not all successful men are doing enough when it comes to philanthropy. It’s the successful women who are doing all it takes to make the world a better place. According to Forbes statistics, women give away almost twice as much of their wealth when compared to men. Compassion comes naturally to women. The findings just reaffirm the belief that more and more successful women are going beyond simply writing cheques as they actively engage themselves in making a positive impact on society. Up until a decade ago, the majority of individuals involved in charitable work were men, although it's unclear if women actively encouraged them to do so. Though men still do it, women are bringing in more money, new perspectives, and passion to set the agenda. So what makes women overtake men in philanthropy too?
Power of ‘voice’, and empowering the voiceless
Women do not always gravitate towards the more traditional notion of philanthropy. When more women give, it might help them rethink their identity and lean into their generosity differently because it’s not solely about money. It’s time. When you spend money on anything, you become more invested in its success. This fresh zeal may drive you to completely participate by volunteering and advocating for others in need, even if it means facing hurdles or tiredness. I recently completed a two-day field tour for UNICEF programme, which enables girls from Bihar to lead the struggle against child marriage, raising awareness about its hazards and the significance of education.
Driving a new narrative
It’s not just about financial contributions. Women are bringing a fresh, collaborative approach to philanthropy, focusing on empathy, sustainability, and long-term impact. As women continue to rise to leadership positions in philanthropy, we can expect to see even greater impact and positive change in the years to come. Many of us have personally experienced the challenges faced by women and marginalised communities, which strengthens our commitment to creating a more equitable world. As women gain more financial independence, we’re increasingly able to channel our resources towards meaningful change. - Shalini Passi, art and design collector and philanthropist
Women, by nature, are the givers
I believe that women generally exhibit a more philanthropic nature due to their understanding of the needs of both the family and society. Women have historically contributed to the welfare and development of not only their communities but also their nations. They played a very responsible role,” says Shalini, who has donated her earnings from the series Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives to UNICEF. “This was the first UNICEF ball and it was in support of UNICEF India. My entire fee that Netflix is giving me has gone to UNICEF for this particular project. Whatever I get from say modelling or anything, I don’t take anything. It all goes to UNICEF directly.”
It’s not just about financial contributions. Women are bringing a fresh, collaborative approach to philanthropy, focusing on empathy, sustainability, and long-term impact. As women continue to rise to leadership positions in philanthropy, we can expect to see even greater impact and positive change in the years to come. Many of us have personally experienced the challenges faced by women and marginalised communities, which strengthens our commitment to creating a more equitable world. As women gain more financial independence, we’re increasingly able to channel our resources towards meaningful change. - Shalini Passi, art and design collector and philanthropist
Women, by nature, are the givers
I believe that women generally exhibit a more philanthropic nature due to their understanding of the needs of both the family and society. Women have historically contributed to the welfare and development of not only their communities but also their nations. They played a very responsible role,” says Shalini, who has donated her earnings from the series Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives to UNICEF. “This was the first UNICEF ball and it was in support of UNICEF India. My entire fee that Netflix is giving me has gone to UNICEF for this particular project. Whatever I get from say modelling or anything, I don’t take anything. It all goes to UNICEF directly.”
Anu Menda, Managing Trustee of the RMZ Foundation
For women by women
Women have always been at the forefront of change. We are a women-led foundation; we embody this commitment through our initiatives in art and culture. By collaborating with visionary women artists like Suhasini Kejriwal (Garden of Un-Earthly Delights), Alicja Kwade (Superposition), and Mouna Rebeiz (Aghora and Ban), we harness the transformative power of art to challenge societal norms and spark meaningful conversations. These works break barriers and celebrate diverse perspectives, demonstrating that art can be a powerful catalyst for social transformation. Our dedication lies in supporting women-led initiatives, ensuring public exposure for their work, and fostering inclusive ecosystems that nurture every voice and talent.”
For women by women
Women have always been at the forefront of change. We are a women-led foundation; we embody this commitment through our initiatives in art and culture. By collaborating with visionary women artists like Suhasini Kejriwal (Garden of Un-Earthly Delights), Alicja Kwade (Superposition), and Mouna Rebeiz (Aghora and Ban), we harness the transformative power of art to challenge societal norms and spark meaningful conversations. These works break barriers and celebrate diverse perspectives, demonstrating that art can be a powerful catalyst for social transformation. Our dedication lies in supporting women-led initiatives, ensuring public exposure for their work, and fostering inclusive ecosystems that nurture every voice and talent.”
Giving more than money
Rohini Nilekani has been recognised as India’s most generous woman in the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024, with a personal donation of Rs 154 crores.
Melinda French Gates is spending $1 billion and leveraging her growing notoriety to raise awareness of the structural issues that women and girls face.
Rajashree Birla, mother of Kumarmangalam Birla, set up and is the driving force behind the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives & Rural Development; she also oversees two family foundations.
MacKenzie Scott ( ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos) has mobilized a staggering $17 billion for 2,300+ nonprofits globally since 2020, largely through unrestricted seven-figure donations rooted in the growing calls to center on the knowledge, relationships, and expertise of leaders on the frontlines of social change.
Anu Agha Khan has been focusing on social causes and is closely associated with the Thermax Foundation. Her passion lies in education, and she actively participates in Akanksha, an NGO that advocates for the education of underprivileged children in Mumbai and Pune.
The Zarina Screwvala’s Swadesh Foundation had an impact on 2,700 hamlets in the Raigad and Nashik districts of Maharashtra, affecting over 7.5 lakh people from 1.6 lakh households. - Dr Jalachari Ella, MD, Ella Foods
Time, Talent, Treasure
Women have never traditionally been seen as big earners, spendthrifts, or philanthropists. However, times have changed, and women’s contributions to society are evolving, with a growing focus on addressing challenges that matter most—women’s health, safety, child healthcare, education, and upskilling. These aren’t just areas of need; they’re opportunities to create lasting change. For too long, many women have believed that marriage is the solution to financial stability or that having children can resolve relationship challenges. True empowerment, however, comes from equipping women to be self-reliant, skilled, and dynamic contributors to their families and communities. When children see the women in their families as strong providers and role models, it shifts generational mindsets. Women are no longer just participating in giving; they are bringing their unique perspectives and solutions to the forefront, shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. We have been supporting numerous women and children’s health programmes, water sanitation, and lake care projects.
Rohini Nilekani has been recognised as India’s most generous woman in the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024, with a personal donation of Rs 154 crores.
Melinda French Gates is spending $1 billion and leveraging her growing notoriety to raise awareness of the structural issues that women and girls face.
Rajashree Birla, mother of Kumarmangalam Birla, set up and is the driving force behind the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives & Rural Development; she also oversees two family foundations.
MacKenzie Scott ( ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos) has mobilized a staggering $17 billion for 2,300+ nonprofits globally since 2020, largely through unrestricted seven-figure donations rooted in the growing calls to center on the knowledge, relationships, and expertise of leaders on the frontlines of social change.
Anu Agha Khan has been focusing on social causes and is closely associated with the Thermax Foundation. Her passion lies in education, and she actively participates in Akanksha, an NGO that advocates for the education of underprivileged children in Mumbai and Pune.
The Zarina Screwvala’s Swadesh Foundation had an impact on 2,700 hamlets in the Raigad and Nashik districts of Maharashtra, affecting over 7.5 lakh people from 1.6 lakh households. - Dr Jalachari Ella, MD, Ella Foods
Time, Talent, Treasure
Women have never traditionally been seen as big earners, spendthrifts, or philanthropists. However, times have changed, and women’s contributions to society are evolving, with a growing focus on addressing challenges that matter most—women’s health, safety, child healthcare, education, and upskilling. These aren’t just areas of need; they’re opportunities to create lasting change. For too long, many women have believed that marriage is the solution to financial stability or that having children can resolve relationship challenges. True empowerment, however, comes from equipping women to be self-reliant, skilled, and dynamic contributors to their families and communities. When children see the women in their families as strong providers and role models, it shifts generational mindsets. Women are no longer just participating in giving; they are bringing their unique perspectives and solutions to the forefront, shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. We have been supporting numerous women and children’s health programmes, water sanitation, and lake care projects.
Big Donors
Women give away almost twice as much of their wealth vis-a-vis men (Forbes statistics)
Compassion comes naturally to women compared to men