Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) marks International Day of Girls & Women in Science through their STEM program; Merck Foundation launches the “MARS Best African Woman Researchers Awards” annually to empower and recognize women in science. In 2023, 6 Researchers from 6 different African Countries awarded in two categories – Best African Women Researchers and Best African young Researchers; Merck Foundation empowers African Women in the areas of Science and Technology through providing 780 scholarships to female doctors out of the total 1700 scholarships which represents 46% of Merck Foundation Alumni; Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS Awards 2024 to empower Women and Youth in STEM in Africa with special focus on scientific research in Women Health and Infertility & Reproductive Health.
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2024’ together with African First Ladies, and their partners like African Ministries of Health, Education, Gender & Information and Academia.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “We at Merck Foundation mark ‘International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2024’ by supporting and empowering women in the areas of Science and Technology. Despite the significant strides women have made in their careers, there remains a notable under representation in these areas. We aim to narrow the gender inequality gap and empower women to participate equally in these areas of science and technology.”
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). MARS Awards 2024 have been announced recently in partnership with African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission, International Federation of Fertility Societies -IFFS, Africa Reproductive Care Society – ARCS, and Manipal University, India., with a special focus on: ‘The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive & Fertility Care’.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej further emphasized, “In partnership with my dear sisters, African First Ladies, we have been transforming the patient care landscape in Africa by providing medical training to young doctors in many critical medical specialties. Out of the total 1700 scholarships provided, more than 780 scholarships were for women medical graduates. This is close to 45% of the total Merck Foundation Alumni, which is a great milestone for us.”
Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for their prestigious Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024.
Watch Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit MARS 2023 Award Ceremony video here: https://apo-opa.co/3SDwP66
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.
“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 for thousands of school girls 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”, shared Senator Kelej.
Additionally, Merck Foundation is adapting their storybooks to create interesting animation films with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important supporting girl education and ending child marriage.
