{"id":5943,"date":"2022-08-30T16:55:17","date_gmt":"2022-08-30T12:55:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/?p=5943"},"modified":"2022-08-30T16:55:18","modified_gmt":"2022-08-30T12:55:18","slug":"merck-foundation-ceo-one-of-africas-unsung-sheroes-of-women-and-youth-empowerment-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/?p=5943","title":{"rendered":"Merck Foundation CEO \u2013 One of Africa\u2019s Unsung \u2018Sheroes\u2019 of Women and Youth Empowerment"},"content":{"rendered":"

By\u00a0BrandVoice Partner | Paid Program<\/a> <\/p>

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An African woman to hold the position of the first CEO to Merck Foundation. She is also Senator at the Egyptian Senate, a strong crusader for transforming patient care in Africa and developing countries, a passionate advocate of women\u2019s rights and girls\u2019 education, one of the most influential African women in 2019, 2020 and 2021. A producer & director of various inspiring music videos and TV programs to raise awareness about critical social health and social topics in Africa through fashion & art\u2026donning so many hats successfully is Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.<\/strong><\/p>

An inspirational woman empowering her journey\u2026<\/strong><\/p>

Hailed from Egypt and based in Dubai, Dr. Rasha Kelej led the establishment of Merck Foundation to continue her efforts in building healthcare capacity, support girl education, empowering women, and youth of Africa and beyond, since 2012. <\/p>

Established strong partnerships with 20 African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education, Information & Communication, Academia, media, art which contributed significantly to the success of their programs. <\/p>

Lovingly called \u2018Mama Africa\u2019, Dr. Kelej is an inspirational pioneer in the transformation of patient care in Africa. Till 2021, more than 1200 doctors from 44 countries have benefited from Merck Foundation scholarships one- and two-year diploma and Master degree in critical specialties. <\/p>

For her efforts to create \u2018More Than a Mother\u2019 Movement, which touched many hearts, Dr. Kelej was acknowledged as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women (2019, 2020, 2021). <\/p>

Rasha Kelej has been appointed in October 2020 as a Member at The Egyptian Senate (2020 \u2013 2025) where she plays an important advisory role with regards to African Health, Economic and Social Sustainable Development and collaborative opportunities between Egypt and rest of Africa. <\/p>

Making History in Africa:<\/strong><\/p>

One of the most successful programs that Dr. Kelej has created and presided is the historic campaign \u201cMerck Foundation More Than a Mother\u201d and its innovative initiatives which aims to empower childless and infertile women through access to information, health, change of mind set and economic empowerment.  <\/p>

She works closely with 20 African First Ladies as Ambassadors of \u201cMerck Foundation More Than a Mother\u201d in their countries, to break the stigma around infertility and empower infertile women. More than 180 candidates are enrolled in clinical and practical training for Fertility specialists and Embryologists, while over 170 doctors have been enrolled in Sexual and Reproductive Medicines, Psychiatry and Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, from over 39 countries. <\/p>

Under her headship, Merck Foundation is making history in many African countries where they never had Fertility specialists or specialized Fertility clinics before this program intervened, by training the first Fertility specialists and Embryologists. This will eventually aid women and couples with better access to equitable and quality fertility care.  <\/p>

Dr Kelej added \u201cWe are making history and legacy in Africa, first Fertility specialists, Embryology, Oncologist, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Respiratory expert and more in many countries are trained by Merck foundation. I am so proud and want to invite all doctors to apply to our scholarships on our email submit@merck-foundation.com<\/a> to fill health gaps in their communities.\u201d <\/p>

Moreover, Merck Foundation has supported and empowered more than 1000 childless women with small businesses to be independent and stronger.  <\/p>

\u201cThis program is very close to my heart and will continue for the next five years. I cannot forget the happiness and pride in those women\u2019s eyes after they experience their success and realize their purpose in life and that they are \u201cMore than Mother\u201d heroines\u201d, Rasha Kelej emphasizes.  <\/p>

Advocating Education for Empowerment:<\/strong><\/p>

\u201cI strongly believe in girl education. When Girls are educated, their countries become more powerful, stronger & prosperous. I realize there\u2019s need for more support as there are many brilliant girls out there who are struggling financially and socially to meet their educational needs. Therefore, we started \u201cEducating Linda\u201d, pan African program which is tailored for each country to contribute to the future of these girls as part of \u201cMerck Foundation More Than a Mother\u201d, explained Merck Foundation CEO. <\/p>

Dr. Rasha has been contributing to the future of 100\u2019s of girls in partnership with the African First Ladies through scholarships. Moreover, providing 3,000 sets of essential school items for girls\u2019 schools to many countries yearly.  <\/p>

Dr. Kelej explained \u201cAt Merck Foundation, we strongly believe in education as an important factor in promoting economic well-being in Africa and as strong strategy to stop child marriage, GBV, FGM and STDs. Girl education is the best vaccine for HIV and considered as the best investment in global economy. It is estimated by world reports that for every additional year of primary school, a girl\u2019s future income increases by 10-20%.\u201d  <\/p>

With Merck Foundation, the CEO\u2019s target is to empower girls and women through various initiatives, including providing training for female & young researchers & medical graduates and supporting the education of best performing Girl students in Africa. <\/p>

Reaching to children:<\/strong><\/p>

Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies also publishes and distributes children\u2019s storybooks to emphasize strong family values of love and respect from young age which will reflect on eliminating the stigma of infertility and resulted domestic violence in the future. To support girl education and stop child marriage and gender-based violence these 5 different storybooks have been localized for each country to have a better connect with the young readers. \u202fThe inspiring storybooks released are: <\/p>