Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej Champions Girl Education as the Foundation of Women Empowerment

NAIROBI, Kenya : Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa and Asia who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”, champions Girl Education as the Foundation of Women Empowerment, through their impactful and transformative development programs, reaffirming over 14 years of their sustained commitment and legacy in empowering women and girls.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African and African Women for Seven Consecutive Years (2019 – 2025) expressed, “At Merck Foundation, empowering women and girls is embedded in everything we do. It shapes our vision and guides our programs. For the past 14 years, together with my dear sisters, and our Ambassadors, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, we have been empowering girls and women through our programs including ‘More Than a Mother’, ‘Merck Foundation Scholarships Program’, ‘Educating Linda’, and ‘STEM Program’.”

“Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health, and change of mindset.

Through their “Scholarships program”, Merck Foundation is transforming the patient care landscape across Africa, Asia and beyond, having provided more than 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties to date.

“I am proud that out of the 2600+ scholarships provided across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, about 1290 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been provided to women medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders.

Also, I am happy to share that we have provided over 800 scholarships for young healthcare providers, 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.

“As a part of our Educating Linda program, together with my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, we have year to date provided more than 1400 annual scholarships to deserving yet underprivileged African schoolgirls from 21 countries, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential,” shared Dr. 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.

“Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM,” emphasized Dr. Kelej.

Moreover, Merck Foundation in partnership with First ladies of Africa and Asia announces annual Awards of Media, Song, Film and Fashion to raise awareness about women empowerment, supporting girl education and related themes like breaking infertility stigma, ending female genital mutilation & child marriage, stopping gender-based violence.

Merck Foundation is also raising awareness about the importance of supporting girls’ education through a range of creative initiatives, including inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films, awareness songs, and dedicated episodes on this theme through their Our Africa by Merck Foundation TV program.