Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the charitable arm of Merck KGaA Germany, commemorates ‘International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2025’ in collaboration with African First Ladies and partners, including Ministries of Health, Education, Gender, and Academic institutions across Africa.
Empowering Women in Science
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and recognized as the Most Influential African Woman (2019-2024), remarked, “At Merck Foundation, we proudly support and empower women in science and technology on this momentous day. Despite notable advancements, women remain underrepresented in these critical fields. Our commitment is to eliminate this gender gap, ensuring that women can excel and take the lead in science and technology.”
Recognizing Excellence in Research
Each year, Merck Foundation presents the MARS Awards to honor outstanding African women researchers and young African talents. These awards aim to bolster the research capabilities of women and youth, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Recently, the Merck Foundation CEO convened a virtual Award Ceremony alongside partners, including the Africa Reproductive Care Society, Manipal University, and the African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission. They celebrated the exceptional contributions of African Researchers in promoting women’s health and reproductive and fertility care in Africa.
Announcing MARS Awards 2025
During this ceremony, applications for the MARS Awards 2025 were officially announced.
Transforming Healthcare Education
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej further expressed, “In partnership with my esteemed colleagues, the African First Ladies, we are transforming patient care in Africa by training emerging doctors in critical medical fields. Out of over 2200 scholarships awarded, approximately 1050 have been given to women medical graduates, nearing 50% of the total Merck Foundation Alumni. This is a significant accomplishment for us.”
Committed to Girls’ Education
Merck Foundation holds the belief that education is vital for women’s empowerment and serves as a cornerstone for impactful change.
“Together with the First Ladies of Africa, we have impacted the lives of more than 700 deserving African girls by providing scholarships to further their education and essential supplies through our ‘Educating Linda’ program across various African nations, including Burundi, Malawi, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
Additionally, our awareness campaign has benefited thousands of girls through inspiring children’s storybooks, animated films, and songs aimed at promoting girls’ education and eradicating child marriage,” shared Senator Kelej.
Awards for Media, Film, and the Arts
In collaboration with the First Ladies of Africa, Merck Foundation has launched the 2025 Edition of its annual awards to recognize outstanding media work, films, songs, and fashion designs that support girls’ education and raise awareness of sensitive social issues.
Advocating Through Storytelling and Animation
The Foundation has also created engaging storybooks designed to emphasize the importance of girls’ education and enable them to excel in STEM fields. The storybooks are available in English, French, and Portuguese.
Furthermore, Merck Foundation has developed animated films based on these storybooks to reach communities, promoting the importance of girls’ education and combating child marriage. You can watch the “Ride into the Future” Animation Film here:
Television Programming on Girls’ Education
Through the “Our Africa” TV program, the Merck Foundation highlights the significance of girls’ education in six of its fifteen episodes. This pan-African program is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej. It broadcasts on national TV stations in several African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia.
Inspiring Music for Education
Merck Foundation has also collaborated with African artists to release uplifting songs that support girls’ education:
“Girls Can” by Cwesi Oteng (Ghana) and Irene Logan (Liberia):
Watch, share & subscribe
“Like Them” by Kenneth (Uganda):
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“Take me to School” by Wezi (Zambia):
Watch, share & subscribe
“Tu Podes Sim” (Portuguese for “Yes, You Can”) by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane (Mozambique):
Watch, share & subscribe
“ABC, 123” by Sean K (Namibia):
Watch, share & subscribe
“Brighter Day” by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng:
Watch, share & subscribe
Call for MARS AWARDS 2025 Applications
We invite final year African PhD students and young investigators conducting research in the following areas to submit their abstracts:
- Women’s Health
- Infertility and Reproductive Health
Applicants must be primarily based at African Research Institutes and Universities; collaborative efforts within and beyond Africa are encouraged.
Submission Details
The deadline for applications is June 30, 2025.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online or via email to mars@merck-foundation.com, including a CV (with Name, Gender, Country, University/Hospital Name, Email, and Mobile Number) and the abstract as an attachment.
Additional Information
All submitted abstracts will undergo a peer review process. Research Awards will recognize two categories: Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers. Winners will be invited for research training at a prestigious institute in India. The top winner(s) will have the opportunity to attend the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025.
This announcement is disseminated by the APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact Information
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
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About Merck Foundation
Founded in 2017, Merck Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, dedicated to improving health and well-being through science and technology. The Foundation focuses on enhancing access to quality healthcare solutions, building research capacity, empowering girls through education, and advocating for women’s and youth engagement in STEM.
The Merck Foundation maintains strict neutrality in political matters, focusing solely on humanitarian goals and improving social and health outcomes for the communities it serves.
