The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, has announced a series of programs aimed at empowering women and girls across Africa and Asia, as part of its ongoing commitment to International Women’s Day. These initiatives include expanding access to education, healthcare, and opportunities in underserved communities, as the foundation builds on more than a decade of sustained efforts.

Healthcare and Education as Pillars of Empowerment

The foundation’s initiatives are designed to go beyond symbolic observances, focusing instead on long-term impact. According to Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, the organization’s work with African and Asian First Ladies and government partners highlights its mission to empower women and girls throughout the year, not just on a single day.

Among the foundation’s flagship programs is the More Than a Mother campaign, which targets infertile and childless women by providing access to information, healthcare, and education while addressing the social stigma surrounding infertility. This initiative seeks to transform the lives of women who face challenges related to fertility and childlessness.

In addition to health-focused programs, the Merck Foundation has also placed a strong emphasis on education as a key pillar of women’s empowerment. The Educating Linda program, for example, provides more than 1,200 annual scholarships to underprivileged schoolgirls from 19 African countries, enabling them to continue their education and pursue their ambitions.

Investing in Healthcare Professionals and Women’s Health

The foundation’s scholarship program, which focuses on strengthening healthcare systems, has awarded over 2,500 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Nearly half of these scholarships have gone to women medical graduates, enabling them to develop expertise and take on leadership roles in healthcare.

Furthermore, the Merck Foundation has provided over 770 scholarships specifically focused on advancing women’s health, including reproductive and fertility care. These scholarships aim to build a stronger healthcare workforce, particularly among women, to address disparities in medical care.

Merck Foundation’s efforts extend beyond traditional scholarship programs. It also promotes women’s participation in science and research through its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives. The annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit awards recognize outstanding African researchers and encourage young scientists to contribute to innovation and development.

Creative Campaigns and Partnerships for Social Change

The foundation uses creative approaches such as songs, films, storybooks, and television programs to amplify its advocacy campaigns and encourage conversations around women’s empowerment and social change. These efforts are designed to raise awareness and support dialogue on critical issues affecting women and girls.

Merck Foundation collaborates with various partners, including ministries responsible for health, education, communication, and gender, to raise awareness on issues such as ending gender-based violence, combating child marriage, addressing female genital mutilation, and promoting girl-child education. These partnerships help the foundation reach a broader audience and drive meaningful change in communities across Africa and Asia.

Established in 2017, Merck Foundation focuses on improving health and wellbeing while advancing education and research capacity in developing countries, particularly among women and youth. The organization aims to continue strengthening opportunities for women and girls while promoting inclusive development across communities.

As the foundation continues its work in 2026, it plans to expand its reach and deepen its impact through new partnerships and innovative programs. With a growing global focus on women’s rights and empowerment, Merck Foundation’s initiatives align with broader efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive future for women and girls around the world.