Lusaka: Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, together with the First Ladies of Africa who are also their Ambassadors, and various 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.
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), expressed her greetings on International Women's Day to all the remarkable women and girls worldwide. Dr. Kelej highlighted that empowering girls and women is at the core of all initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation, emphasizing the immense potential of women to excel in any domain they choose. However, she noted that women often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities.
Dr. Kelej shared her pride in awarding over 680 scholarships to young doctors dedicated to advancing women's health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity. She firmly believes that education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. Through the Educating Linda Program, Merck Foundation, together with the First Ladies of Africa, contributes to the future of over 700 girls by providing scholarships and essential school items in many African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, and others.
Additionally, Merck Foundation has reached thousands of girls through awareness campaigns involving inspiring songs, children's storybooks, animation films, TV programs, and awards for best media, song, film, and fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women's empowerment tomorrow, as emphasized by 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, recognizing the best African women researchers and young African researchers to foster research excellence. Dr. Kelej emphasized their goal to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM.
