Merck Foundation Marks Women’s Day Through Lasting Impact

One of the foundation’s flagship initiatives, More Than a Mother, seeks to support infertile and childless women by providing access to health information, education, and stronger social acceptance.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany, has marked International Women's Day 2026 by highlighting more than 14 years of work dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls across Africa, Asia, and other regions. Working closely with First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who serve as its Ambassadors, along with Ministries of Health, Education, Communication, and Gender, the foundation continues to support initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for women.

Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and one of the most influential African women recognized for seven consecutive years between 2019 and 2025, said empowering women is at the heart of every program led by the organization. She noted that International Women's Day represents an ongoing commitment rather than a once-a-year celebration, with efforts focused on education, healthcare, leadership, and social change.

One of the foundation's flagship initiatives, More Than a Mother, seeks to support infertile and childless women by providing access to health information, education, and stronger social acceptance. The program also works to challenge the stigma that many women continue to face because of infertility.

Healthcare capacity building remains a major focus for the foundation. Through its scholarship programs, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. These scholarships are helping strengthen healthcare systems by training specialists in areas where expertise is often limited.

Women have been significant beneficiaries of this effort. Nearly half of all scholarships awarded have gone to women medical graduates, giving them opportunities to advance their careers and take on leadership roles in healthcare. The foundation has also awarded more than 770 scholarships specifically aimed at improving reproductive and sexual health services as well as fertility care.

Education continues to be another key pillar of the foundation's work. Through the Educating Linda program, over 1,200 annual scholarships have been provided to underprivileged schoolgirls from 19 African countries. The initiative supports girls who face financial barriers that could prevent them from completing their education, helping them stay in school and pursue brighter futures.

Merck Foundation is also encouraging greater participation of women in science and technology through its STEM initiatives and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards. These awards recognize outstanding women researchers and young scientists across Africa, supporting research excellence and encouraging innovation.

As part of its awareness campaigns, the foundation has launched annual Media, Song, Film, and Fashion Awards that focus on women's empowerment, girls' education, ending child marriage, addressing gender-based violence, fighting female genital mutilation, and reducing infertility stigma.

The organization also reaches communities through creative storytelling tools, including children's books, animation films, awareness songs, and episodes of the Our Africa by Merck Foundation television program. These initiatives help bring important social issues to wider audiences while encouraging positive change across communities.