Bukola Afeni
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany, has joined First Ladies from Africa and Asia to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026 through a series of development programmes aimed at empowering women and girls.
The initiatives highlight the foundation’s more than 14-year commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, supporting girl education, and strengthening healthcare systems across developing countries.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Senator Rasha , said the organisation work is focused on creating long term impact rather than symbolic celebrations.
“At Merck Foundation, empowering women and girls is not confined to a single day, it is embedded in everything we do.
“Together with my sisters and ambassadors the First Ladies of Africa and Asia we have celebrated this day for 14 years not just with words, but through sustained action.”
She noted that the foundation has implemented several flagship programmes, including the “More Than a Mother” campaign, the Merck Foundation Scholarships Programme, Educating Linda, and the STEM Programme, all designed to improve women’s lives and opportunities.
The “More Than a Mother” movement seeks to empower infertile and childless women through education, healthcare access, and advocacy aimed at eliminating stigma surrounding infertility.
“Through its scholarship programme, the foundation has awarded more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.”
According to Dr. Kelej, nearly 1,200 of the scholarships , which is about 50 percent, have been awarded to women medical graduates, enabling them to become healthcare specialists and leaders.
She added that the foundation has also provided over 770 scholarships specifically for young healthcare providers to strengthen expertise in women’s health, reproductive and sexual health, and fertility care.
Dr. Kelej stressed that education remains one of the most powerful tools for women’s empowerment.
“As part of our Educating Linda programme, together with the First Ladies of Africa, we have provided more than 1,200 annual scholarships to underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, helping them complete their education and reach their full potential,” she said.
“The foundation also promotes women’s participation in science and research through its STEM Programme and the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards, which recognise outstanding African women researchers and young scientists.
“Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to science and technology,” Dr. Kelej added.
” Beyond scholarships and research initiatives, the foundation works with First Ladies and other partners to raise awareness about social issues affecting women and girls.
“Through annual media, song, film, and fashion awards, the foundation encourages creative advocacy on topics such as ending female genital mutilation, combating gender-based violence, supporting girl education, and addressing infertility stigma.”
Merck Foundation also utilizes storytelling tools such as children’s books, animation films, songs, and television programmes under the “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” platform to promote the importance of girls’ education and women’s empowerment.
Dr. Kelej congratulated women and girls around the world on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, urging them to continue breaking barriers and pursuing their full potential.
Established in 2017, the Merck Foundation focuses on improving access to equitable healthcare, strengthening medical and research capacity, and empowering women and youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
