J.K. Rowling: Billionaire Philanthropist.

When people say they hate billionaires, I always wonder...

Which ones?

Because here's one using her wealth to fight for people who don't have the same power.

Media headlines rarely call her one of the world's most successful businesswomen.

They rarely call her a billionaire philanthropist.

They rarely call her a woman who has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to charity. Instead it's almost always...

"Harry Potter author J K Rowling..."

As though reducing one of the most successful women in modern history to the books she wrote somehow makes her easier to dismiss.

Insert eye roll.

Here's what that "Harry Potter author" has actually done.

She has donated hundreds of millions to charities supporting children, families, multiple sclerosis research, poverty relief and humanitarian causes.

She founded Lumos, a charity working to end the institutionalisation of children around the world.

She has financially supported women escaping domestic violence and sexual abuse.

She has established the JK Rowling Women's Fund to support legal action where women and girls' sex based rights are being challenged.

And now she has publicly offered to fund legal action after reports emerged that a 13 year old girl was housed in a secure unit with older male teenagers despite raising concerns for her own safety.

Whether you agree with every opinion she holds is your choice.

Whether you agree that vulnerable girls deserve protection should not be controversial.

People often complain that billionaires don't use their money to make a difference.

Well...

Here's one who is.

She's putting her own reputation, her own wealth and her own resources behind causes she believes protect women and children.

You don't have to agree with everything someone says to recognise courage when you see it. Personally, I'd rather see powerful people use their influence than sit quietly to protect their public image.

That's TRUE leadership.

And that's worthy of respect.

Has the media reduced J K Rowling to "the Harry Potter author" because it's accurate... or because calling her one of the world's most influential and generous women makes her much harder to dismiss?

Unknown Contributor.

( from Digital Anvil )