Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, is joining forces with The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who are also Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, in observance of the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women 2024. Through their impactful “More Than a Mother” Campaign and “Educating Linda” program, Merck Foundation is actively involved in community awareness initiatives addressing Gender-Based Violence, empowering women and girls, supporting girl education, and more.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to raising awareness about the elimination of violence against women and girls through various initiatives, including children’s storybooks, inspiring songs, and the TV program “Our Africa.” This pan African TV program, conceptualized and co-hosted by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, features episodes dedicated to important issues such as Stopping GBV, Ending FGM, Women Empowerment, and Supporting Girl Education.
Merck Foundation, in collaboration with The First Ladies of Africa, has launched an inspiring children’s storybook titled “Not Who You Are” to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence and educate children about this critical social issue. Additionally, storybooks like “Educating Linda,” “Jackline’s Rescue,” and “Ride into the Future” have been released to support girl education, with these stories also transformed into engaging Animation Films available in multiple languages.
In addition to storybooks, Merck Foundation has released several empowering songs to support women empowerment and girl education, including “Like Them” by Kenneth from Uganda, “Girl Can” by Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana, “Take me to School” by Wezi from Zambia, “Tu Podes Sim” by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane from Mozambique, “ABC, 123” by Sean K from Namibia, and “Superwoman Song” by Cwezi and Adina from Ghana.
As the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej urges collective action to stop Gender-Based Violence by empowering women, supporting girl education, and championing women’s rights. Merck Foundation remains dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need, maintaining a strict non-political stance in all endeavors.
For more information and to join the conversation, visit Merck Foundation’s social media platforms and website. Let’s come together to create a future free from abuse and inequality.
