Olivia Rodrigo and philanthropist Melinda French Gates raise $20 million for women’s well-being with a benefit show recalling ’90s feminist push

Olivia Rodrigo, the 23-year-old pop-rock artist, hosted a benefit concert called Daisy Chain Fields to raise $20 million for women's well-being. The event, held in Irvine, California, featured a lineup of female artists like Chappell Roan, Doechii, and Bikini Kill, all advocating for women's health, workplace protections, and legal rights.

Before the show, Rodrigo announced that it had already raised $10 million, which would be donated to 10 nonprofit partners, including Planned Parenthood, National Women’s Law Center, and Black Mamas Matter Alliance. Philanthropist Melinda French Gates also contributed $10 million through her Pivotal Ventures.

Rodrigo explained that the festival's all-female, activist-driven lineup gave her hope amidst the "regression of women's rights." She emphasized the strength that comes from individual parts coming together to create something unbreakable. Not only did Rodrigo draw inspiration from Lilith Fair, a successful all-women festival from the '90s, but she also aimed to connect Gen Z with nonprofits in a way that resonates with younger donors.

Attendees, like 24-year-old Grace Slevin, praised the event for bridging the gap between younger generations and nonprofits. The festival offered an authentic and engaging experience that allowed fans to learn about the beneficiaries' work and engage with the causes. With issues like abortion clinics closing and anti-abortion groups pushing for stricter regulations, Rodrigo's concert provided a platform for open discussions about women's health and rights.

Younger generations are increasingly seeking authenticity in their activism, according to Slevin. The connection between music and cause was evident at Daisy Chain Fields, where the festival's nonprofit partners were eager to engage with the multigenerational community of women. By exposing the next generation to the importance of women's health and rights, Rodrigo hopes to foster intergenerational change and empower women to stand up for their rights.