By Mutuvi Janet
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Rasha Kelej has been recognized for supporting the girl child and empowering African women to pursue their purpose in life.
Celebrated among top 100 most influential African women for the fourth year running, Dr Kelej, through a programme dubbed ‘Educating Linda’, has made a difference in the lives of a thousand girls by providing scholarships and essential school items in many African countries.
The programme has partnerships with 20 African First Ladies, who are also ambassadors of Merck Foundation known as ‘More Than a Mother’.
Moreover, 3,000 sets of essential school items have been distributed among school girls in many countries like Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia and Niger.
“I strongly believe that an educated girl will lead a healthy life, save lives, build a stronger family, earn a better income, make informed choices, empower her community, lift her country and reduce inequalities,” she added.
Dr.Kelej, who is also a member of ‘Best African Women Researchers’ and ‘Best Young African Researchers’ club, was also awarded in the Mars Awards for empowering women and young African researchers to enhanced Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that fashion and art can contribute significantly to sensitizing communities on why girls and women need support in education and empowerment.
She already added accolades to her list of achievements with the conceptualization, production, direction, and presentation of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation”, a Pan-African TV programme that raises awareness about a wide range of girl child education issues in Africa through “Fashion and Art with Purpose”, which she created.
“I am very happy and proud of ”Our Africa by Merck Foundation”. The African continent is culturally very rich and colourful. Vibrant designs in African Fashion are proof of this. I have always admired Art and Fashion in Africa and I strongly believe that fashion and art should have a purpose beyond entertainment and looking good. They can contribute to sensitizing our communities about girl child education,” she said.
When she teamed up with the African first ladies, they were able to break the silence on a wide range of sensitive social and health issues, such as stopping gender-based violence in schools and Female Genital Mutilation(FGM), as well as ending child marriage.
Kejel also launched 8 children’s storybooks in three languages; English, French, and Portuguese, to educate and sensitize children on important issues from a young age, besides composing inspiring songs that have helped produce young talented musicians across Africa.
