The initiative reflects the foundation’s 14-year journey of advancing women’s empowerment, supporting girls’ education, and tackling social challenges such as infertility stigma.
Speaking during the commemoration, Senator Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, emphasised that empowering women and girls remains central to the organisation’s mission.
“At Merck Foundation, empowering women and girls is not confined to a single day; it is embedded in everything we do,” she said, noting that the foundation continues to collaborate closely with First Ladies who serve as ambassadors for its programmes.
She highlighted flagship initiatives such as the More Than a Mother campaign, the Merck Foundation Scholarships Programme, the Educating Linda initiative, and the STEM Programme, all of which have significantly improved the lives of women across Africa and Asia.
Through its scholarship programme, the foundation has awarded more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Of these, nearly 1,200 scholarships have gone to women medical graduates, empowering them to become future leaders in healthcare.
Over 770 scholarships have specifically focused on strengthening women’s health, particularly in reproductive and fertility care.
Education remains a cornerstone of the foundation’s work. Under the Educating Linda initiative, more than 1,200 scholarships have been provided to underprivileged schoolgirls from 19 African countries, enabling them to complete their education and pursue brighter futures.
Dr Kelej reaffirmed that the Merck Foundation will continue to expand opportunities for women and girls, working with partners to promote gender equality worldwide.
Read Other Articles In National News
