Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, Congratulates all the winners
I am incredibly proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Merck Foundation Fashion Awards together with my dear sisters, African First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. The innovative designs submitted by our 16 talented winners not only highlight their exceptional skills but also convey impactful messages aligned with the awards’ themes. We warmly welcome them to our ‘Fashion & Art with Purpose’ community, as I firmly believe that fashion can significantly contribute to raising awareness on critical health and social issues, thereby facilitating a cultural shift in Africa.
The theme of the “More Than a Mother” Fashion Awards was to raise awareness about social issues such as Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping GBV and/ or Women Empowerment. The “Diabetes& Hypertension” FASHION Awards focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension across Africa.
Here is the list of Merck Foundation FASHION Awards “More Than a Mother” 2023 Winners:
- Christianah Adebimpe Dare, NIGERIA
- Johannes Medard Tairo, TANZANIA
- Favour Olayinka Okunola, NIGERIA
- Musema Robert, UGANDA
- Ofoegbu Ngozi Anita, NIGERIA
- Oluwakorede Adeyinka Adeyanju, NIGERIA
- Esther Gathoni & Stephene Baraka, KENYA
- Lynn Chipendo Musema Robert, ZIMBABWE
Here is the list of Merck Foundation FASHION Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2023:
- Linda Ngwira, ZAMBIA
- Ofillia Nzengu, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
- Kaluba Ngulube, ZAMBIA
- Ewubare Faith, NIGERIA
- Malanga Mukanzo, ZAMBIA
- Kolawole Feranmi, NIGERIA
- Solace Akos Sakah, GHANA
I am excited to invite applications for the Merck Foundation FASHION Awards 2025, in partnership with African First Ladies, under two themes ‘More Than a Mother’ and ‘Diabetes & Hypertension.
For Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025, announced in partnership with African First Ladies, all African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.
For Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2025, announced in partnership with African First Ladies, allAfrican Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Who can apply?
All African Fashion Students and Designers.
Last Date of Submission
For Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: 30th September 2025.
For Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: 30th October 2025.
How to Apply?
Please share original sketches as attachment(s) on:
The subject line of the mail should mention:Merck Foundation FASHION AWARDS “More Than a Mother” 2025 OR Merck Foundation FASHION AWARDS “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2025
Please specify your name, institution name, country, and contact details in the mail.
Prize money: 10 winners will be granted $500 each to execute their designs.
I welcome our winners to our ‘Fashion & Art with Purpose’ community, as I strongly believe that Fashion and Art play a significant role in raising awareness about health and sensitive social topics and can bring about a culture shift in Africa.
Kind Regards,
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej,
CEO of Merck Foundation
President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign