Lusaka: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in collaboration with First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and various partners, including Ministries of Health, Education, Communication, and Gender, marked International Women's Day 2026 by celebrating their ongoing commitment to empowering women and girls. This event reaffirmed over 14 years of dedication towards transformative development programs.According to African Press Organization, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasized that empowering women and girls is a continuous effort embedded in the foundation's vision and programs. Collaborating with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, Merck Foundation celebrates this day not just in words but through sustained action across programs such as More Than a Mother, Merck Foundation Scholarships Program, Educating Linda, and STEM Program. Dr. Kelej extended her best wishes to women and girls globally, encouraging them to rise, break barriers, and achieve their full potenti al.Merck Foundation More Than a Mother movement aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health, and a change in mindset. The foundation's scholarship program is transforming patient care across Africa, Asia, and beyond, having provided over 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Notably, approximately 1200 of these scholarships have been awarded to women medical graduates, empowering them as future healthcare experts and leaders.Dr. Kelej highlighted the importance of education in women empowerment, stating that through the Educating Linda program, the foundation has provided more than 1200 annual scholarships to deserving underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries. This initiative enables them to complete their education and reach their full potential. Merck Foundation also supports women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Afr ica Research Summit (MARS) Awards, which recognize the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers.Additionally, Merck Foundation, in partnership with First Ladies of Africa and Asia, announces annual awards in Media, Song, Film, and Fashion to raise awareness about women empowerment and related themes. The foundation is also raising awareness about supporting girls' education through creative initiatives, including storybooks, animation films, awareness songs, and dedicated TV episodes through their "Our Africa by Merck Foundation" program.To explore more about these initiatives, viewers can watch episodes of "Our Africa" focusing on supporting girl education, and listen to various songs produced to promote women's empowerment and girl education. These resources are available through multiple online platforms, providing inspiration and support for global efforts towards gender equality and empowerment.
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