By Mackie M. Jalloh
The Merck Foundation joined forces with several African and Asian First Ladies to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, highlighting more than a decade of programs focused on empowering women, supporting girls’ education, and addressing critical health challenges affecting women across developing countries.
The celebration, which took place in Accra, Ghana on March 8, brought together policymakers, development partners, and advocates who reflected on the foundation’s 14-year journey in advancing gender equality and expanding opportunities for women and girls. The initiative is carried out in collaboration with First Ladies who serve as ambassadors for the Foundation’s programs, alongside ministries responsible for health, education, communication, and gender affairs in several countries.
Speaking during the commemoration, Rasha Kelej emphasized that the organization’s commitment to women’s empowerment goes far beyond symbolic observances.
“At Merck Foundation, empowering women and girls is part of everything we do,” she said. “For over fourteen years, together with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, we have translated this commitment into concrete action through impactful initiatives that support education, healthcare, and social transformation.”
Among the flagship initiatives highlighted was the “More Than a Mother” campaign, a global advocacy movement aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding infertility and supporting women who face discrimination due to childlessness. The program promotes awareness, access to fertility care, and a shift in social attitudes toward women affected by infertility.
The Foundation also highlighted the impact of its scholarship program, which has supported more than 2,500 healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. According to the organization, nearly half of those scholarships about 1,200 have been awarded to women medical graduates, enabling them to specialize in fields where expertise is often scarce.
In addition, over 770 scholarships have been dedicated specifically to healthcare providers working in reproductive and sexual health, including fertility care. These initiatives are intended to strengthen medical capacity while improving the quality of care available to women across Africa and Asia.
Education also remains a central pillar of the Foundation’s strategy. Through the “Educating Linda” program, more than 1,200 scholarships have been awarded to underprivileged schoolgirls in 19 African countries, enabling them to continue their studies and pursue long-term career opportunities.
The organization has also invested in empowering women in science and research through the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards, which recognize outstanding African women researchers and young scientists working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Beyond education and healthcare, the Foundation continues to engage creative industries to drive social awareness. Through annual media, film, music, and fashion awards, the organization encourages artists and journalists to address sensitive issues such as gender-based violence, child marriage, female genital mutilation, and the importance of girls’ education.
Additional outreach efforts include children’s storybooks, animation projects, awareness songs, and televised programs designed to inspire young audiences and promote positive social change.
According to Dr. Kelej, these diverse initiatives reflect the Foundation’s broader mission of empowering women and young people to reach their full potential while contributing meaningfully to their communities.
