The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates - [Book Review] #WriteAPageADay

 Book Details:

Title: The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World

Author: Melinda Gates

Genre: Non-Fiction, Human rights, Philanthropy 

Print Length: 304 pages

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Source: A free copy from the book club

Blurb:

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“In her book, Melinda tells the stories of the inspiring people she’s met through her work all over the world, digs into the data, and powerfully illustrates issues that need our attention―from child marriage to gender inequity in the workplace.” ― President Barack Obama

“The Moment of Lift is an urgent call to courage. It changed how I think about myself, my family, my work, and what’s possible in the world. Melinda weaves together vulnerable, brave storytelling and compelling data to make this one of those rare books that you carry in your heart and mind long after the last page.” ― Brené Brown, Ph.D., author of the New York Times #1 bestseller Dare to Lead

“Melinda Gates has spent many years working with women around the world. This book is an urgent manifesto for an equal society where women are valued and recognized in all spheres of life. Most of all, it is a call for unity, inclusion and connection. We need this message more than ever.” ― Malala Yousafzai

"Melinda Gates's book is a lesson in listening. A powerful, poignant, and ultimately humble call to arms." ― Tara Westover, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller Educated

A debut from Melinda French Gates, a timely and necessary call to action for women's empowerment.

“How can we summon a moment of lift for human beings – and especially for women? Because when you lift up women, you lift up humanity.”

For the last twenty years, Melinda Gates has been on a mission to find solutions for people with the most urgent needs, wherever they live. Throughout this journey, one thing has become increasingly clear to her: If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down.

In this moving and compelling book, Melinda shares lessons she’s learned from the inspiring people she’s met during her work and travels around the world. As she writes in the introduction, “That is why I had to write this book―to share the stories of people who have given focus and urgency to my life. I want all of us to see ways we can lift women up where we live.”

Melinda’s unforgettable narrative is backed by startling data as she presents the issues that most need our attention―from child marriage to lack of access to contraceptives to gender inequity in the workplace. And, for the first time, she writes about her personal life and finding her voice. Throughout, she shows how there has never been more opportunity to change the world―and ourselves.

Writing with emotion, candor, and grace, she introduces us to remarkable women and shows the power of connecting with one another.

When we lift others up, they lift us up, too.

Purchase Link: Amazon

My Review :

I received this book as part of my office book club. Basically, I don't read non-fiction a lot. But, I am very glad to have read this.

The Moment of Lift is an insightful book about the problems of women around the world and how we can help the ones in need. This is focused on Women's empowerment.

There are multiple issues that Melinda touches upon in the book, but a few stood out for me. 

Many of us are fortunate enough to have money for our basic necessities and are able to donate to the needy. But, how can we ensure that the money that we donate to a charity reaches the person that actually needs the help? How can we ensure that the money we donate actually solves their problem? Melinda takes philanthropy to the next level.

I liked Melinda's analysis and digging deep into the problem for the root cause, instead of spending their charity money on putting a band-aid to the problem. 

In this book, she also talks about how we can empower women and what problems women are facing around the world. While a few women were getting married young, a few women didn't have the right to use contraceptives, a few women are fighting with their families for their basic right to education, and a few women are sacrificing their health for taking care of their families. She digs deep into each problem and tries to understand the best solution by thinking from the perspective of others. 

It is painful for me to read about female genital cutting and child marriages in some cultures. But, it is also inspiring to me to read about the progress the Melinda Gates foundation made being a foreigner to their cultures. It is interesting to know how the foundation helped in preventing AIDS in India. I salute the dedication of the people who are involved in such charity.

Overall, this book has been an eye-opener for me. Having money and the intention to donate is not enough. Ensuring that our money reaches the right person and the right cause is equally important. I learned to think from a different perspective after reading this book. I would recommend this book to everyone. 

My Rating: 5/5

About the Author:

Melinda French Gates is a philanthropist, businesswoman, and global advocate for women and girls.

As the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda sets the direction and priorities of the world’s largest philanthropy. She is also the founder of Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company working to drive social progress for women and families in the United States.

Melinda grew up in Dallas, Texas. She received a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Duke University and an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School. Melinda spent the first decade of her career developing multimedia products at Microsoft before leaving the company to focus on her family and philanthropic work. She has three children, Jenn, Rory, and Phoebe, and lives in Seattle, Washington.

Until next time,

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