A Conversation with Trevor Noah and Melinda French Gates 

I'm a teacher and I'm so grateful to mr Noah for the power that he gives to teachers in the growth of future generations. We often feel frustrated by the way our governaments treat teachers. Thank u Trevor Noah to understand so deeply our work

Always such a pleasure to hear Trevor Noah. The way he talks about his mother and how she helped shape his worldview is inspiring and beautiful every single time. What he said about teachers is so so true!

Trevor embodies grace, intelligence, and thoughtfulness. He is truly a gift to the world!

I always pray that Trevor remains our mouthpiece. A mouthpiece for the people. Never for him to be 'bought'🙏

Insightful discussion. Let's walk the talk now more than ever. 🇿🇦

Just cant comprehend the brain power...the gratefulness with which Trevor crafts his word and weaves the words into indisputable messages that cut and slice into the social unfairness of the elite wealthy. Grow Trevor. Go Trevor. Arthur. Uganda 🇺🇬

This is very insightful yet sensitive issues affecting society. I really love how Mr. Noah spoke about real challenges affecting Health, Equality, Education, Economy, Politics etc, and suggested practical and achievable solutions for it. I really hope right stakeholders (Government institutions, agencies, business enterprises, Organizations, Companies etc) will adhere to the possible solutions recommended during this discussion, and prevent potential problems before it even occur in the first place. This is too good a discussion 👏✨👏🙌👏❤️

Education is the Foundation of Everything! Powerful. Thank you so very much for this conversation.

One of the rare gems in South Africa.Keep up the good work Mkhaya.Please don’t you ever mix with politicians, keep them away from you at all cost

Women are economic engines of growth. As women prosper those around them will prosper and the economy around them will prosper.😮❤❤❤

One of the few conversations about women empowerment that focused on practical solutions rather than hating men and complaining.

Trevor spoke brilliantly ! He is such an inspiration.

Much needed. My situation at the very end came to light...and I saw so many women flourishing if we could have that balance or maternity pay, the recognition that women's responsibilities are vitally important as well, I loved most of what was said here today; but will action speak? Also, very lovely to hear Trevor Noah speak on women's behalf so passionately, yet in an articulate manner, and knowledgeable about the need and direction of achieving these goals. Thank you all for speaking out on education, women, and all these needed hot topics!

Trevor's ideas and how he presents them resonates with his audience. He strikes a chord. So inspirational.

Very insightful conversations. Agree with every word Trevor said.

Trevor is so good at communicatiom.kudos to him

Trevor that is very true, talking about value of a dollar.

Melinda's back-handed advertising of MS products makes me sick. Complimenting "amazing talent" (= cheap labor) while going on and on about mobile banking.

Thank God !!!. thank you PM Abiy Ahmed and Prosperity Party👍👍👍🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹❤️❤️❤️

💯✅Thank you María, Melinda and Trevor!

Kenya my beloved country.

Id honestly like to be aware and articulate like Trevor.... i think one needs to constantly read and watch such content to accumulate light

I wished Melinda recognised her story after telling it. She just went straight to answering..

Without having married Bill Gates, we won’t be talking of Melinda. There are plenty of “self” made women, including the interviewer that will be way better examples that someone that reached public spotlight by marrying a billionaire.

Great conversation 👏🏾

Great conversation. The lady in the middle sounded mostly like sound bites. The other two brought a lot of depth to the conversation.

Once again, ask the questions!! Every one wants to get to the middle without starting at the beginning and then moving forward. The discussion is productive but, who is listening? Who will start at the beginning, and continue to allow the education factors, to do what is needed.

AWE TREVOR, FECTS!

How has it come about Trevor and Microsoft connection? Not a good sign.

In my country men need to be empowered. As we make women aware of their power, we need to remember that each generation of men need to be empowered too. We seem to think that will happen automatically. It doesn’t: In Jamaica there is an imbalance and many women find themselves doing everything, and men being very passive. The more responsibility and positions transferred to women in the name of equal rights has simply caused many to become over burdened. Men need to be prepared for this transfer as well, understand this new partnership and have their empowerment managed as well. Especially black men who have experienced the intentional power stripping of New World slavery.

It's unfair on you guys that you have not mentioned the name of the lady who conducted this brilliant conversation brilliantly. The irony is that the conversation centered around empowering women. Please correct the situation ASAP

Good talk But what are there impact over the replacing pleasure and sex instead of education in the school systems.

I believe teaching is not an entire life profession. That is also a societal recommendation, rolling people in and out on a 10 or 12 year cycle. It is a good way to expand a richer educational option.

Having read your book Trevor, it’s your mom’s prayers that has got you where you are.I’m 100% sure.

Education matched with opportunities is what changes the world. Job creation is critical for supporting a world with peace.

Also most foundation do the base line teaching but how about job, job the government can do so much. So, how about start up help like a loan to invest to create wealth

French Gates. Sounds like some new home design trend.

what is wrong with this set honestly. why did they have this woman practically chewing on her mic with all the sound that implies and why does the camera just randomly start quaking

Trevor is so right...any type of voting system don't count if we are not all considered well financially...I come from a democratic country and do not look forward to voting... people want real change however it comes but change that is financially inclusive and a bottom up approach too

Trevor good job he always talks a good one

Mmmmmh...Lord Jesus....the Bible is sooooo true ..keep us focus on you Lord...

The money system is not handled well by the banks. Women may want to raise their own children - not just a safe place, but the right to have them in their own families, own communities, homeschools or Waldorf type of private schools, not corporate type of institutionalized schools - not catering to big corporations.

What was the coordinator/s name?

I've ALWAYS said, societal issues are everyones, not just when it affects certain communities!!!!! Drug, poverty and mental illness has been around for years.....

Trevor understands Africa

So there's poor lawn-mowing Melinda (we know her because she married Bill) proudly stating she also came from a humble background (her parents owned 14 houses they rented out). Why is she on that stage? I can't listen to this 😳

“I mowed the lawns” Melinda Gates 🙋🏻‍♀️

Balancing Economy = Online

I'm here just bcz Trevor is the in house

An update human with information on current issues at the tip of his fingers.

Only Eating Rice = How Much Can Teach

Ubuya nini? My homeboy, all the way from Orlando East Soweto. If not Trump, then why not Trevor for president 🇺🇸😂

“A dollar goes a lot farther when it’s in a woman’s hands.” Trevor Noah

This was such a good talk. I never tire of hearing Trevor speak. He's articulate, aware and well informed, with insights that elude most.

This was a brilliant discussion. Trevor is such a thought-leader, wow!

I've missed listening to the profound intelligence of Trevor Noah. It's really great hearing Mr. Noah. His voice needs to be heard more.

Trevor Noah is an amazing human being he does so much to give back to not just his home country but the countries he visits and still doing his comedy and recognizing local groups that need support

These three people have their eyes on the future and on the needs we must supply in order to arrive at the future in a healthy, well-educated society. Thank you for this interview.

Trevor is on fire again. Smart, funny and a good human.

Insightful discussion. A big thank you to the Gates Foundation for supporting Entrepreneurs in Africa. 🇰🇪

I'm humbled by this conversation. Thank you for reminding me why I chose to move from industry into education. I'm so grateful to have had parents who pushed me and challenged me and teachers who filled in the gaps so selflessly. The human beings I have mentored and thanked me for my efforts and determination to get them through the pandemic. I never did it to be thanked. They will, in turn, teach others, and that is where the true impact will be felt. There is one of me, but many students who will carry the light, and they are the key to changing future ❤

I love that Trevor said when a women gets her power it is not only for her but for her community ❤

This is one of the best conversations I heard. This group is so balanced, intelligent and all global thinkers. Every word is worth listening to and reflecting on. They naturally reflect how men and women are part of the same team and can be naturally productive together.

I am so glad that Trevor showed us that he is much deeper than just a comedian. Now he uses his platform to give back value -added opportunities to communities.

I just love how articulate and aware Trevor is. We need more people like him in places of power(politics). People who genuinely care about the economy/ society and not just in it for the dough or power.

Huge fan of Trevor ……every sentence is so full of wisdom! 🙏🏻❤️

Trevor Noah!!!! What a man! ❤

Exactly. Thank you Trevor, for saying it out loud. People vote for rapid change because they need something different.

Profound😊 Been a woman and a teacher this conversation makes me happy😔👏

This is a very interesting discussion. As a woman, mother and a professional, I needed safe places to leave my children when they were younger. And I have always needed money to support my family and myself. I live in a developing nation but with all honesty that family leave policy for the US is problematic. You need to learn and borrow from western Europe specifically Iceland, Denmark etc. I am grateful I worked with an Icelandic agency when I was a mother to young children; we benefited from the experiences our bosses had being parents in Iceland.

Trevor always sounds like the smartest person in the room. 🇿🇼🇿🇼 Wonderful insight, don't forget the teachers, don't downplay the effect empowering a woman has on family and society

Excellent conversation. I am a firm believer that knowledge is power. Education is power. Thank you for this discussion and for bringing attention to the power of women.❤❤

TREVOR ALWAYS SAYS THE RIGHT STUFF !!! Makes the world a better place, thank you !

Thank you Trevor, being a teacher/professor, your point is really fantastic and thoughtful. Thanks 🙏🏿

What a great conversation. “Women are economic engines of growth”, but we still can’t really go and get a loan from a bank. But women are geniuses with money. They can innovate and invent out of necessity.

wow,trevor you mentioned a very good point ,in africa 50+% of population are young and energetic but as you said there is no hope,there is no economy to access ,there no peace to work even to live ,there is no democracy at all.

One of the best interviewer is Trevor Noah ! I love the way he interviewed Mariah Carey .. every interviews he does he make it personal and so relaxing . He so funny yet talented . Really is a big fan of Trevor

Melinda and her "mobile banking" 🙄 sounds like an agenda to me.

Damn!!!, Trevor has a beautiful mind. His ability to look at issues from diverse angles just blows my mind out.

Wow Trevor Noah What an insight.... especially on alleviating pressure on men.

I think women need to understand, as well as women here on the panel, that childcare and the care of children by their mothers is important. Women working at home IS WORK! And very important work. It is work. It s a career choice! Living in a patriarchal society, it is expected that men get paid for the work they do, outside their home, yet women working within the home or taking care of her children are not paid for the work they do! Working at home does not mean being stuck at home. S H JN It is still work, and very important. It should never be undervalued because if she choses to offer her services at home, her valuable work should never be pushed to the side or undermined or deemed as worthless by a system which continues to undervalue her contribution to the health and stability of society by working in nurturing her children! A mother's love who is secure, and respected including financially when nurturing her children, provides the foundation for a stable society. When school teachers are valued and paid for taking care of kids, when outside child carers are paid when taking care of other peo9les kids, why are not the actual mothers of these children paid for the incredibly valuable work that they do in taking care of their own?! They should be paid fir the work that they do as carers, of their own children and the job role and position should be elevated and respected in the way as it should be without women made to feel worthless by the very important work that they do! In raising their children with the stability of their mother, while she feels secure in the role she plays in society! To call the pittance that a caring mother receives as "benefits" or "child benefits" because she is persisted by the system as " not working" or "just a housewife" is nothing more than selfish by society and unjust! Their work should be valued. It is a secure mothers love and her role in society in providing this care that stable societies find roots and thrive! Women should chose their career paths and have all opportunities as everyone else, but chosing to nurture their kids at home, including emotionally, or having the flexibility and well deserved financial "income" to educate their kids by affording to take them on bus rides to parks and museums, to buy art materials or interesting books for their inquisitive minds who are desperate for mind and heart sustenance, by her, is also very important! Never underestimate or nullify the work of a mother. She deserves to be paid by the valuable work that she, or even he does, jf a father choses to be at home. It is not calked being unemployed! People need to get their minds around this and begin respecting!

I just wanted to know what Trevor Noah was up to and came across this clip. Once again he has hit the nail on the head...we needed the teachers so badly during Covid. We came to the realization that we could lose thousands of lives without the teacher. When he said "one fantastic teacher can save thousands of lives..." I thought of myself. With only a Teachers Certificate I am an inventor of a Reading Remediation program. For now it is a side hustle. I love the concept to woman power and ironically Ms Gates is wearing white, green, purple and gold in her dress which is the Colour scheme for Womens Day. I am also a Caribbean woman of Guatemalan and East Indian decent which helps me to relate to this on different personal levels. Peace and love to every in the forum. Thank you.

Trevor is such a brilliant thinker

What a brilliant and important conversation.I love all these conversations about empowering women. It is crucial and about time, but I am worried as a mom of a young man that boys are being left behind. It sounds as though Trevor understands that.

Trevor has always been a very intelligent man exposing the racists, fake personalities and crimes against humanity all with an incredible sense of humor🥰😍😍💟💕❤.

My grandma ensured I got educated through lots of hardship and always said, "I am doing this because it's the only inheritance I can give you as a woman that no one can take away" I really believe in the process of learning through life experience, schools and any type of education that adds value Big up for the amazing foundations

Its not "government partnerships" that helped you go to college, it was fully public money and taxpayers are happy to fund education not the military industrial oligarchy aka public private fascist partnership.

reminds me of….. adding value to hispanic female doctors. We female hispanic doctors are 1 percent of all doctors in the usa- but so many of us graduated from foriegn countries - it’s difficult to pass the US medical boards here - a doctor with out the finances to take the US boards is still an employee who works for minimum wage. These barriers are meant to keep us from our power. Thank you for the lovely presentation. It have me some slight hope.

Glad to see Trevor and Melinda working together!

Trevor, I agree about teachers & their impact in children’s lives! Teachers are send parents & more!🙏🏿💗🍀

People often talk about Trevor’s South African side, but I’m always amused by how they completely ignore his Swiss side. Part of why he was able to “lift” himself up, was because he is also a citizen of one of the richest countries on Earth. But this whole racist “one drop” of “blackness” rule, means no one talks about his white side, just like no one talks about Obama’s white side.

Trevor! Thank you for being Trevor and so authentic and just ingenious!

Thank you for this conversation and the reminder of why I started The Period Project South Africa NPC - striving towards stopping the cycle the poverty through ensuring our young women are able to get their education without it being interrupted by a period.

Trevor Noah never looses his South African accent

You making us Proud Trevor as a South African knowing where you came from to where you are now, you are a great inspiration❤

I agree Melinda. The dynamism that exists in Africa..thats waiting to be mentored and facilitated. Thank you for that.

Trevor Noah is simply amazing.....

Trevor Noah's thoughts are brilliant and very doable. Thank you African son

Women should have the opportunity to study, but not because they are a work force or just because they could be mothers and could educate, women should have the opportunity to study because they are human beings, even if they never have children, even if they aren’t smart and graduate from college. Women are human beings; full stop.

Trevor is sharp. What democracy when people aren’t given access but exploited for their vote? What access is being created and what effective policies are being put in place to have women everywhere thrive?Start with guaranteed healthcare, thriving income and free childcare. They want to force women to be mothers without any state support. These fundamentalist who went after Roe in the United States don’t want to create living wages, free childcare .He is also sharp on the conversation about equity and inclusion of women. First of all, banks don’t fund women’s dreams unless they are women coming with access to financial resources that they can leverage. Education is important and so is having access to financial institutions. It is capitalism so can’t play the game of capital when you don’t have capital or a way to access it. For a wealthy nations, the United States isn’t good with creating access for women of color but they want to go to Afghanistan or Africa to tell them what equity for women looks like. Give me a break! There are Actually are probably same or more roadblocks to access to capital in this county of USA then there are in developing countries.There are actual limitations because the point is that those spaces aren’t created for them. You have to fight like hell and standout to be included, heard, valued, and supported. They say black women don’t work hard enough but when you look at the policies in America as they pertain to supporting women who identify as Black and Latina then you see the intentions aren’t to elevate those lives but to keep them in their places and deny or hinder their access to their dreams. I had a dream of owning a farm. So I started one without financial resources and the support I needed to succeed. Every minute, day, week, month and year was a struggle to grow our farm, make profits to support our families, our household, ourselves, our dreams and our communities. Melinda Gates takes about how food is expensive everywhere you go. Yes! It is because the economics of food is upside down. Farmers are no different from teachers. We work the soil to provide humanity with food. Some of us like me are committed to growing healthy soil and ultimately healthy food but others not so much. People take farmers for granted. Society thinks and is trained to think that food should be cheap. Why should it be inexpensive? It takes a farmer a great deal of education, financial resources, farm inputs and infrastructure to grow, harvest and transport food. If food is inexpensive then who is paying for the hidden operating expenses? USDA pays for some but not all. Very few farmers can make a living from feeding humanity or get the funding that they need to do so. If y’all want inexpensive food then make farming an official public service like teaching or firefighting. Pay farmers a living wage, healthcare, 401k retirement, give them land, infrastructure, training and development and whatever it takes to actually unleash these individuals who want to work the land and feed humanity. Honestly, a year after I started my one acre farm, I had my first child. I farmed until he was ready to be born. People thought i was going to give birth on the fields. He was with me everyday on the farm until I couldn’t. I wasn’t making enough money to pay for childcare bc i was a young entrepreneur running a young operation. I leaned heavily of friends and family for childcare. When I went to DFCS to request for childcare support, they told me that I needed to be gainfully employed. I couldn’t own my own business as access state funding for childcare. That blew my mind. In GA, a woman can work in some job but she wants to create her own business and pursue her dreams then the doors to that support are shut. Then people wonder why black women and mothers struggle to have successful jobs. But on the flip side, the state will pay for childcare if you pick one of the limited pathways to entrepreneurship. You can get childcare funding when you want to do hair and nails. Good for you if that is your calling but if your calling is to access fertile land to grow food for humanity then good luck. Why do you folks from the United States think there are so many beauty shops owned by black women? Bc they provide childcare expenses to do that vocation and then nobody cares if your kids go to work with you. I get so angry when people don’t understand the system they are talking about. It isn’t the workers but a system created to purposely put barriers in the way. So I struggled with farming, understanding the business, childcare and getting access to grants and low interest loans with affordable terms. It was difficult to access land and buy machinery or build infrastructure, purchase trucks, refrigeration, electricity and water. I mean, even on a one acre farm you need at least $50k to start an operation. We started with zero dollars, our sweat equity and that of other People, friends and family. But everyone wants a farm nearby and they want inexpensive food but they don’t have a good relationship and understanding about the cost of producing that healthy and organic food. So after 6 years of working on the land without access to childcare, financial resources, capital, secured land (we leased land and eventually lost over $60k dollars when our farm was demolished)or the kind of training and development that would lead to success and even access to physical and mental healthcare (which Kaiser stepped in to provide us with two years of the most incredible healthcare at $20 a month ❤), mentorship for mothers with young children (for time management of business and home life) and the sort of investments needed to make my business and home life work, I stepped down and left the work that was so important to me. It was actually devastating to me that I couldn’t make it work but really, what I wanted for myself and my life in farming had been out of reach but I was the one determined to not let it stop me. But even my own bullheaded determination couldn’t transform the fact that I was running a business without funding, caring for two young children at the same time without funding and trying to have it all. What exactly is the investment in women in the United States? You either come from money or fight like hell to get people to take your work seriously so you can get funding. Even with USDA funding, you still have to have serious capital in your bank to access those beginner farmer grants. They aren’t 100% guaranteed grants. No! Where do young and under resourced farmers and entrepreneurs supposed so find the capital. It’s a chicken or the egg conversation. First you get the chicken then it gives you the egg but how did you buy the chicken and the feed and the coop or the land, water, etc. Like Trevor said, people are always waiting for the eggs to be pooped out but where in the investment in the person who decided to raise the chickens. We take them for granted that they will deliver grade A organic eggs. Same way we do with teachers when we expect them to deliver grade A student but we don’t support those same teachers with the resources they need to do their magic. Ugh! Get real about how we get the results we want without Actually investing in people and creating policies that help said people.