Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marked the International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2025 in collaboration with African First Ladies and key partners, including African Ministries of Health, Education, Gender & Information, and Academia.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and a multiple-time recipient of the Most Influential African Woman award, emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering women in science and technology.
“At Merck Foundation, we celebrate this important day by actively bridging the gender gap in STEM fields. Our mission is to ensure that women have equal opportunities to thrive and lead in these disciplines,”
she stated.
MARS Awards and STEM Advancement
Merck Foundation annually launches the MARS (Merck Africa Research Summit) Awards to recognize and support African women researchers and young African researchers. The MARS Awards aim to strengthen research capacity and promote contributions to STEM fields. Recently, Senator Kelej hosted the virtual award ceremony in collaboration with the Africa Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), Manipal University, and the African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission. The event highlighted the role of scientific research in women’s health, reproductive care, and fertility treatment.
During the ceremony, Senator Kelej also announced the call for applications for the MARS Awards 2025, with a submission deadline of June 30, 2025. The awards will recognize the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, with top winners eligible for research training in a prestigious Indian research institute and an invitation to the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025.
Empowering Women in Medicine and Education
Merck Foundation has been instrumental in transforming healthcare in Africa through medical scholarships. Out of more than 2,200 scholarships granted to medical graduates, nearly 1,050 were awarded to women, ensuring gender balance in specialized medical training.
Education remains a cornerstone of Merck Foundation’s mission. Through the “Educating Linda” program, the foundation has supported the education of over 700 underprivileged African girls, providing scholarships and essential school supplies across countries like Burundi, Malawi, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Niger.
In addition to scholarships, Merck Foundation has developed numerous children’s storybooks available in English, French, and Portuguese to inspire young girls to pursue STEM careers. These storybooks have been adapted into animation films to further amplify the message of girls’ education and ending child marriage.
Media and Creative Initiatives to Promote Girl Education
Merck Foundation, in partnership with African First Ladies, has launched its 2025 edition of annual awards recognizing the best media work, films, songs, and fashion designs that advocate for girls’ education and address other social issues.
The foundation has also used creative platforms like the “Our Africa” TV program to emphasize the importance of girl education. Conceptualized and co-hosted by Senator Kelej, the show has dedicated three out of its fifteen episodes to this topic. It has aired on national television across multiple African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Namibia, Mauritius, Zambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Music is another powerful tool Merck Foundation employs to spread awareness. Collaborating with African artists, the foundation has released songs such as “Girls Can” by Cwesi Oteng and Irene Logan, “Like Them” by Kenneth from Uganda, “Take Me to School” by Wezi from Zambia, and “Brighter Day” by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng. These songs aim to inspire and encourage girls to stay in school and pursue their dreams.
Call for Applications – MARS Awards 2025
Merck Foundation invites applications from final-year African PhD students and young investigators conducting research in women’s health, infertility, and reproductive health. Candidates must be based at African research institutes or universities, although collaborations outside the continent are welcome.
Submission Details:
- Deadline: June 30, 2025
- Application Link: Apply Here
- Alternatively, applications can be emailed to mars@merck-foundation.com with a CV and an abstract document attached.
- Research submissions will be peer-reviewed, and winners will receive training opportunities and invitations to prestigious scientific events.
Merck Foundation continues its commitment to empowering African women and youth in STEM, ensuring that the next generation of scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals can contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
