Merck Foundation CEO Mark IWD 2025 with Impactful Development Programs

MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA- Zim Now Reporter

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, together with the First Ladies of Africa, who are also their Ambassadors, and Ministries of Health, Education, Communication, and Gender, marked ‘International Women’s Day 2025’ through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and one of the most influential African women for six consecutive years (2019 - 2024), said empowering women and girls is at the core of all their initiatives.

“Happy International Women’s Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world! Empowering girls and women is at the core of all our initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. I recognize the immense potential of women to thrive, succeed, and excel in any domain they choose, yet they often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities.

Therefore, together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, we mark International Women’s Day every day, through our development programs and initiatives such as ‘More Than a Mother,’ ‘Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement,’ ‘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, and a change of mindset.

“I am thrilled to share that out of the 2,230 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1,046 scholarships — nearly 50 percent — have been granted to female medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders. I am especially proud that we have awarded over 680 scholarships to young doctors, dedicated to advancing women’s health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity,” said Senator Kelej.

 

She added that she strongly believes education is one of the most critical areas of women’s empowerment.

“I am happy to share that through our ‘Educating Linda’ Program, together with my dear sisters, our Ambassadors, we are contributing to the future of over 700 girls by providing scholarships to continue their education and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls in many African countries, such as Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Verde, and more. Moreover, we have benefitted thousands of girls through our awareness campaign, through many initiatives like the release of inspiring songs, children’s storybooks, animation films, TV programs, and awards for the best media, song, film, and fashion designs — all aimed at promoting girls’ education today for women’s empowerment tomorrow,” emphasized 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, which 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,” added Senator Kelej.

The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany and aims to improve the health and well-being of people and advance their lives through science and technology.

Their efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education, and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), with a special focus on women and youth.