Senator Dr Rasha Kelej with speaks with some women
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), has said education is the only way women and girls can be fully empowered.
Senator Kelej said this as Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck Foundation KGaA Germany, together with First Ladies of Africa and Asia who are also their Ambassadors, and partners including Ministries of Health, Education, Communication and Gender mark ‘International Women’s Day today (March 8, 2026).
The Foundation has spearheaded impactful and transformative development programs, reaffirming over 14 years of their sustained commitment and legacy in empowering women and girls.
“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 1200 annual scholarships to deserving yet underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential,” said Dr. Kelej.
Senator Kelej who is one of the Most Influential African and African Women for Seven Consecutive Years (2019-2025) added that, “at Merck Foundation, empowering women and girls is not confined to a single day, rather it is embedded in everything we do.
“It shapes our vision and guides our programs. “Together with my dear sisters, and our Ambassadors, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, we have celebrated this day for 14 years not just in words, but through sustained action across our programs including ‘More Than a Mother’, ‘Merck Foundation Scholarships Program’, ‘Educating Linda’, and ‘STEM Program’.
“On this special occasion, I extend my warmest wishes to all women and girls around the world. May you continue to rise with confidence, break barriers, and realize your full potential,” she added.
The “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.
And 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 2500+ scholarships provided across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, about 1200 scholarships, that is nearly 50 percent, 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 770 scholarships for young healthcare providers, dedicated to advancing women’s health by strengthening reproductive and sexual health, and fertility care capacity,” added Senator 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
Morever, the 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 and 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.
