Berlin: Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, together with the First Ladies of Africa, who serve as their Ambassadors, and the Ministries of Health, Education, Communication, and Gender, have 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 greetings on International Women’s Day to women and girls worldwide. Dr. Kelej emphasized that empowering girls and women is central to Merck Foundation’s initiatives and programs. She acknowledged the potential of women to excel in various domains but noted that many often lack a supportive environment, especially in underserved communities.
Dr. Kelej proudly highlighted that over 680 scholarships have been awarded to young doctors, focusing on advancing women’s health by enhancing reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity. She stressed that education is a critical area of women’s empowerment and shared that the Educating Linda Program, in collaboration with the Foundation’s ambassadors, supports the education of over 700 girls by providing scholarships and essential school items across several African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cabo Verde, among others.
The Foundation has also reached thousands of girls through awareness campaigns, utilizing inspiring songs, children’s storybooks, animation films, TV programs, and awards for media, song, film, and fashion designs to promote girl education as a pathway to women’s empowerment. Additionally, the Merck Foundation actively supports 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 young African researchers, thereby fostering research excellence.
Dr. Kelej reiterated that the Foundation’s goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM fields.