In the United States, there's definitely some controversy about birth control in general, and I think we needed to split the debate and have people realize that we actually agree as a country about contraceptives. Over 93 percent of American women say they use contraceptives, and they feel very good about it.
Melinda GatesI realized that the only way to get into a good college was to be valedictorian or salutatorian. So that was my goal.
Melinda GatesWhen girls are educated and free to pursue their passions, they contribute more to a thriving society. When women have a voice, they raise it to demand a life that is greater than what they've been told they have a right to expect. And these demands change the future for everyone.
Melinda GatesIf you ask, who has the chance to move into the city and get a good job out in the developing world? It's a man. Who's left to care for the kids back at home? The woman is.
Melinda GatesNow we just really need to do the work, which we're doing, to get contraceptives out to women worldwide.
Melinda Gates