Cape Town: Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, together with First Ladies of Africa, who serve as their Ambassadors, and various Ministries of Health, Education, Communication, and Gender, marked International Women’s Day 2025. They continue their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls through impactful development programs.

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, saying, “Happy International Women’s Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world!” She emphasized that empowering girls and women is central to all initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation, acknowledging the potential of women to excel in any chosen domain and the challenges they face in underserved communities.

Dr. Kelej highlighted that over 680 scholarships have been awarded to young doctors to advance women’s health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity. She reiterated the importance of education as a critical area of women’s empowerment.

Through the Educating Linda Program, in collaboration with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation is contributing to the futures of over 700 girls by providing scholarships and essential school items in various African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cabo Verde. Additionally, thousands of girls have benefitted from awareness campaigns featuring inspiring songs, children’s storybooks, animation films, TV programs, and awards for best media, song, film, and fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girls’ education for future women’s empowerment.

Furthermore, Merck Foundation actively supports women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards. These initiatives celebrate the achievements of the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence. Dr. Kelej emphasized the commitment to empowering women and young African researchers and enhancing their research capacity to promote contributions to STEM fields.