Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa who are also their Ambassadors, Ministries of Health, Education, Communication, and Gender, mark International Women’s Day 2025, through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African Women for Six Consecutive Years (2019 – 2024) expressed, Happy International Women’s Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world!
According to African Press Organization, empowering girls and women is at the core of all the initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. Dr. Rasha Kelej recognizes the immense potential of women to thrive, succeed, and excel in any domain they choose, yet they often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities. She is especially proud that over 680 scholarships have been awarded to young doctors dedicated to advancing women’s health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity.
Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. Through the Educating Linda Program, and in collaboration with the Ambassadors, the foundation contributes to the future of over 700 girls by providing scholarships to continue their education as well as 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.
Moreover, thousands of girls have benefitted through awareness campaigns that include initiatives like the release of inspiring songs, children’s storybooks, animation films, TV programs, and awards for best media, songs, films, and fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women’s empowerment tomorrow, emphasized 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 that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence. The goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM, emphasized Dr. Kelej.