web analytics

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officerkeeps supporting Girl Education to end Female Genital Mutilation

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, together with African First Ladies, marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2024 as a part of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” and “Educating Linda” program.

Merck Foundation highlighted the harms and danger of FGM and urged the African communities to END FGM through one of the 15 episodes of their “Our Africa”, pan African TV program conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

“Our Africa” TV Program has been broadcasted on National and Prime TV stations of many African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Burundi and more, and is currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/48Jpjxo), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3St4oc8), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3Ss45yo) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/494wHn4)] and Merck Foundation [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/47HPK5u), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/494Vib1), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3U8RG3y) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/494wHn4)].

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of

“More Than a Mother” campaign expressed, “Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) stands as a grave issue deeply ingrained in numerous cultures across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It is important that we take immediate action and speak out against this longstanding and harmful practice. FGM deprives women and girls of their dignity, jeopardizes their health, inflicts unnecessary pain and suffering, and imposes lasting complications, including infertility, yes. Infertility that resulted from untreated infectious diseases which resulted from FGM practice.”

“FGM causes other complications such as infections, stillborn babies, and, in some instances, even death. It is crucial to challenge and eradicate this damaging tradition.” she continued.

According to the WHO data, more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is primarily practiced. FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15.

“Through ‘OUR Africa’ TV program we have conveyed to the communities that FGM only harms girls and women physically and also psychologically, and that it has no health benefits. Rather, FGM can lead to severe medical complications in women including infertility, as infection due to FGM is one of the main causes of Infertility. FGM also increases the risk of HIV transmission and can cause severe complications during childbirth. We must understand that FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. This practice needs to stop immediately” Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.

Merck Foundation believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment and will definitely help in stopping practices such as FGM, which do not benefit anyone.

“Together with African First Ladies, we have has contributed to the future of 425 of girls by providing scholarships to continue their education and also providing essential school items, through our “Educating Linda” program in many African countries such as Burundi, Malawi, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger and more.

Moreover, we have benefitted 1000’s of girls through our awareness campaign which includes releasing many inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films and songs to support girl education and end child marriage.

Verified by MonsterInsights