Dr. Rasha Kelej Champions Creativity to Combat Infertility Stigma and Promote Girl Education

Lusaka: Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, emphasized the transformative power of creativity in addressing social issues as part of World Art Day 2026 celebrations. Merck Foundation, the charitable subsidiary of Merck KGaA Germany, commemorated this day through its Pan-African Art and Fashion with Purpose community, a platform established by Dr. Kelej to leverage art and fashion in tackling pressing health and social challenges across Africa and beyond.According to African Press Organization, Dr. Rasha Kelej, who is also recognized among the 100 Most Influential Africans from 2019 to 2025, expressed her commitment to using art, fashion, and media as tools for change. Celebrating the sixth anniversary of the Fashion and Art with Purpose Community, Dr. Kelej highlighted its role in addressing issues such as infertility stigma, girl education, female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, gender-based violence, women empowerment, and health awareness on diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. The community, which spans more than 25 countries, has achieved significant social impact by empowering artists to use their creativity for awareness and education.Merck Foundation has spearheaded various initiatives, including the groundbreaking pan-African TV program, "Our Africa by Merck Foundation." This program, conceptualized and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej, features African fashion designers, singers, and experts addressing critical issues and fostering a cultural shift across the continent. It has garnered a wide audience on prime TV stations and social media platforms.In collaboration with the First Ladies of Africa, Merck Foundation annually announces eight awards across two themes for media, fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, and young talents. These awards focus on breaking infertility stigma and promoting girls' education, ending child marriage and FGM, stopping gender-based violence, and advocating for a healthy lifestyle and early detection of diabetes and hypertension. Entries fo r the 2026 awards are currently open.The Art and Fashion with Purpose Community includes 175 award winners from 25 countries, who contribute to raising awareness and challenging societal perceptions through their creative endeavors. The community also produces songs in multiple languages to address topics such as infertility stigma and women's empowerment. Additionally, Merck Foundation collaborates with the First Ladies of Africa on children's storybooks and animation films to educate communities on essential social issues.For further information and to access Merck Foundation's creative resources, please refer to the provided links.