Phoebe Gates Honored as 'Rising' Champion of Abortion Rights While Sister Jennifer Says She's 'So Proud'

Phoebe Gates is getting recognition as a champion of reproductive rights — and she says she’s just getting started.

Last week, the 22-year-old daughter of Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates traveled to Washington, DC, to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Reproductive Freedom for All, where she was presented with the “Rising Champion of Reproductive Freedom” award.

In the diary for Voguegraduate of Stanford University wrote that since then Roe v. Wade ousted in 2022, RFFA President and CEO Mini Timmaraju has “become a mentor and co-conspirator in the right to defend and advance reproductive freedom,” which includes access to abortion, birth control and more.

Phoebe gave the final speech of the evening, September 18, to a room of 200 guests, including activists and elected officials.

As for the award, Phoebe called it “an incredible honor that I accepted as a recognition of the responsibility to keep going and an incentive to do more.”

Bill Gates Says Texting Daughter Phoebe ‘Tell Me I’m Emailing Her’: ‘Meeting Her Halfway’

Phoebe Gates and Mini Timmaraju.

Courtesy of Phoebe Gates

Phoebe went on to say that while “members of my generation have less rights than those who came before us,” she left DC “feeling hopeful and energized.”

“I know that the champions I’ve met — and the 41 million of my peers who have the right to vote in this November 5 election — are not willing to sit back and wait for things to change,” she added.

Like her mother, whom Phoebe called “my hero,” she continued to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election against former President Donald Trump, who supports abortion restrictions with exceptions and believes states should be able to impose bans.

Phoebe wrote of Harris and her VP: “If we mobilize to elect VP Harris and Gov. [Tim] Walz to the White House and win key congressional races across the country, we have a chance to take back our rights through national legislation next year.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

After seeing Phoebe being honored, Jennifer Gates couldn’t help but celebrate her little sister.

“I’m so proud of you,” the 28-year-old doctor — and soon-to-be mother of two — wrote on her Instagram Story.

Phoebe Gates.

Christopher Jason

Phoebe, who has long used her platform to advocate for women’s health and reproductive rights, recently said The Wall Street Journal that he plans to give millions to abortion access groups this year.

She further said that the decision was influenced by her mother, who announced earlier this year that she would give $1 billion to support women’s rights.

“There is a tangible opportunity to make a difference here,” Phoebe told the newspaper.

Phoebe Gates celebrates her 22nd birthday — with cake and the ‘best crew’ — as mom Melinda pays tribute

Phoebe is also the co-founder of the upcoming digital fashion platform Phia and has appeared in her father’s new Netflix docuseries, What’s next? The future with Bill Gates.

In a recent blog post, the 68-year-old philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder said that of all the conversations he had while filming the show, his “favorite” was sitting with his youngest daughter.

Bill Gates and Phoebe Gates.

Courtesy of Netflix

The PEOPLE Puzzler has arrived! How fast can you solve it? Play now!

“Still, I’m glad we made it because our conversation – for an episode about disinformation – turned out to be a highlight of the series,” the “proud dad” wrote.

“Phoebe has helped me better understand how women online — especially women who stand up for other women — often face threats to their safety that are meant to make them think twice before speaking out,” Bill wrote, adding that “She can’t wait to see how her advocacy will make a difference in the world.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education