Merck Foundation: Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, together with the First Ladies of Africa, who are also their Ambassadors, and the Ministries of Health, Education, Communication, and Gender, marked International Women's Day 2025 through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls.
According to African Press Organization, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and recognized as one of the most influential African women for six consecutive years (2019 - 2024), extended her wishes, stating, "Happy International Women's Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world!" She emphasized that empowering girls and women is central to all initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. Dr. Kelej highlighted the potential of women to excel in any field, although they often lack the supportive environment to fully realize their capabilities, particularly in underserved communities.
Dr. Kelej expressed pride in awarding over 680 scholarships to young doctors dedicated to advancing women's health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity. She stressed that education is one of the most critical areas of women's empowerment. Through the Educating Linda Program, in collaboration with the First Ladies and Ambassadors, Merck Foundation is contributing to the future of over 700 girls by providing scholarships to continue their education and essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls in many African countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Verde, and more.
Additionally, Merck Foundation has benefitted thousands of girls through awareness campaigns that include inspiring songs, children's storybooks, animation films, TV programs, and awards for best media, song, film, and fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women's empowerment tomorrow, as emphasized by Senator Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation also actively empowers women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards, which recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence. Dr. Kelej reiterated the goal of empowering women and young African researchers, enhancing their research capacity, and promoting their contributions to STEM.