Merck Foundation and African First Ladies Mark International Day of Girls & Women in Science 2026 by Empowering Women in STEM and Supporting Girl Education

Business Wire India

• Merck Foundation provided 1195 scholarships to women healthcare providers to empower women in science - International Day of Girls & Women in Science 2026
• Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation CEO, together with The First Ladies of Africa, mark ‘International Day of Girls & Women in Science 2026’ through their ‘Scholarship Program’, ‘MARS Awards’, and ‘Educating Linda’ Program

 

together with the First Ladies of Africa, and partners including African Ministries of Health, Education, Gender & Information, and Academia through their “Scholarship Program” and “MARS Awards”.

 

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “As we mark the International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026, we reaffirm Merck Foundation’s strong commitment to empowering women in science and technology through our “Scholarship Program”, as a part of which we provide specialized medical scholarships to African women healthcare providers, and through the “MARS Awards”, through which we recognize and empower outstanding women scientists in STEM.”

 

Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, and nearly 1,200 scholarships have been provided to women medical graduates.

 

“I am proud that nearly 50% of our total 2500+ scholarships have been provided to women healthcare providers. This is a significant achievement toward reducing the gender gap in science and strengthening women’s leadership in STEM, as while women have made remarkable progress globally, they remain significantly underrepresented in scientific and technological fields. At Merck Foundation, we work every day to bridge this gap,” added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

 

Merck Foundation annually launches their MARS Awards to encourage and recognize ‘Best African Women Researchers’ and 'Best Young African Researcher’. The aim of MARS Awards is to empower women and young African researchers, advance their research capacity, and promote their contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Merck Foundation has celebrated more than 90 winners so far.

 

Recently, Merck Foundation CEO hosted the virtual Award Ceremony together with their partners Africa Reproductive Care Society – ARCS and Manipal University to recognize African Researchers for their valuable research work and contribution to empowering women and youth in STEM in Africa, with special focus on ‘The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive & Fertility Care’. She also announced the Call for Applications for MARS Awards 2026.

 

Watch Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit MARS 2025 Award Ceremony video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/RtIiZp-amrM

Apply for MARS Awards 2026: https://merck-foundation.com/Merck-Foundation-Africa-Research-Summit-Application-Form

 

Merck Foundation strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment and serves as the base and key factor in driving an impactful change.

 

“As a part of our Educating Linda program, together with my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, we have year to date provided more than 1200 annual scholarships to deserving yet underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential,” shared Dr. Kelej.

 

Moreover, Merck Foundation is raising awareness about the importance of supporting girls’ education through a range of creative initiatives, including inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films, awareness songs, and dedicated episodes on this theme through their Our Africa by Merck Foundation TV program.

 

Watch episodes of Our Africa, focusing on Supporting Girl Education:

Episode 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5wpzOr22l0

Episode 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGz6yNSik7g

Episode 14: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjwRnP-Zi60&feature=youtu.be

 

Read Educating Linda Storybook here: https://merck-foundation.com/flipbook-proxy/digital_library/1623068469_6affa28d861b48da41cf.pdf#

 

Watch Merck Foundation Animation Films on supporting girl education:

• Jackeline’s Rescue: https://youtu.be/It1D-XEUjeY
• Ride Into the Future: https://youtu.be/Piz_6Ob68mI

 

Listen to Merck Foundation songs to support women empowerment and girl education:

1. Watch, share & subscribe “Girls Can” song here, sung by Cwesi Oteng from Ghana and Irene Logan from Liberia: https://youtu.be/6LP92vAWYgs
2. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCo52vtz3Q0
3. Watch, share & subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWcujLMbKSg
4. Watch share & subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique, in English here: https://youtu.be/BGWR2S-mxl4 
5. Watch, share & subscribe “ABC, 123” by Sean K from Namibia song here: https://youtu.be/4Z2i4Wh-bpk
6. Watch, share & subscribe “Brighter day” song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3_C4uyFuZk
7. Watch and share “Superwoman Song” by singers Cwezi and Adina from Ghana here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ6ZprqAAJs

 

Click the link below to Download Merck Foundation App

https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_StoreRedirection

 

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard

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X: @MerckFoundation
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Flickr: Merck Foundation
Website: www.merckfoundation.com

Merck Foundation CEO marks International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026

About Merck Foundation

 

The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education, and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.merck-foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, Threads, and Flickr.

 

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments, to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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