Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marked the International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026 alongside the First Ladies of Africa and companions together with African Ministries of Health, Education, Gender & Information, and main educational establishments, reaffirming its dedication to advancing girls’s management in science and expertise.
Through its flagship Scholarship Program and MARS Awards, the Foundation continues to strengthen the position of ladies and younger researchers in STEM throughout Africa.
2,500+ Scholarships Across 52 Countries
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasised the organisation’s sustained funding in constructing scientific capability.
“As we mark the International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026, we reaffirm Merck Foundation’s strong commitment to empowering women in science and technology,” she mentioned.
To date, Merck Foundation has:
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Provided greater than 2,500 scholarships
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Benefited healthcare professionals from 52 international locations
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Covered 44 crucial and underserved medical specialties
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Awarded practically 1,200 scholarships to girls medical graduates
Dr. Kelej highlighted that almost 50% of all scholarships have gone to girls healthcare suppliers — a milestone in decreasing the gender hole in science and strengthening girls’s management in STEM.
“While women have made remarkable progress globally, they remain significantly underrepresented in scientific and technological fields. At Merck Foundation, we work every day to bridge this gap,” she mentioned.
MARS Awards: Recognising African Women Researchers
The Foundation’s MARS Awards (Merck Africa Research Summit) proceed to highlight excellence in scientific analysis.
The annual awards recognise:
More than 90 winners have been celebrated up to now.
Recently, Dr. Kelej hosted the digital MARS 2025 Award Ceremony in partnership with the Africa Reproductive Care Society (ARCS) and Manipal University. The occasion targeted on “The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive & Fertility Care” and likewise introduced the Call for Applications for MARS Awards 2026.
Educating Linda: Investing in Girls’ Education
Merck Foundation underscored that training stays the inspiration of ladies’s empowerment.
Under its Educating Linda Program, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, the Foundation has offered:
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Over 1,200 annual scholarships
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Support to underprivileged schoolgirls in 19 African international locations
The initiative allows ladies to finish their education and pursue their aspirations in science and past.
Creative Campaigns to Promote Girls in STEM
Beyond scholarships, Merck Foundation continues to boost consciousness by means of revolutionary storytelling and media initiatives, together with:
These campaigns purpose to advertise ladies’ training, problem stereotypes, and encourage younger girls to pursue STEM careers.
Driving Impact Across Africa
By combining medical scholarships, analysis awards and grassroots training initiatives, Merck Foundation’s programmes are designed to construct long-term scientific capability throughout Africa whereas empowering girls and youth to guide innovation in healthcare and expertise.
As the world marks International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026, Merck Foundation’s initiatives spotlight the transformative energy of training and analysis in closing gender gaps and strengthening sustainable growth throughout the continent.