Merck Foundation has marked the 2026 International Day of Girls and Women in Science by providing 1,195 scholarships to women healthcare providers, reinforcing its commitment to empowering women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, joined African First Ladies and key partners—including ministries of health, education, gender and information, as well as academic institutions—to commemorate the day through its Scholarship Programme, MARS Awards and Educating Linda initiative.
Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, said the organisation remains firmly committed to bridging the gender gap in science and technology by supporting African women through specialised medical scholarships and research recognition platforms.
According to her, the Foundation has so far awarded more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, with nearly 1,200 scholarships granted to women medical graduates.
She described the milestone as a significant step toward strengthening women’s leadership in STEM, noting that while progress has been made globally, women remain underrepresented in scientific and technological fields.
As part of its broader efforts, the Foundation also continues to promote research excellence through its MARS Awards, which recognise outstanding African women researchers and young scientists, advancing research capacity and encouraging greater participation in STEM disciplines. To date, over 90 winners have been celebrated.
Beyond higher education and research, the Foundation is investing in girls’ basic education through its Educating Linda programme, which has provided more than 1,200 annual scholarships to underprivileged African schoolgirls across 19 countries, enabling them to complete their studies.
Merck Foundation also leverages creative advocacy tools—including children’s storybooks, animation films, awareness songs and dedicated episodes of its “Our Africa” television programme—to promote girl-child education and women’s empowerment across the continent.
The initiative underscores the Foundation’s belief that education remains a cornerstone of sustainable development and a powerful catalyst for advancing gender equality in science and society.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of Merck Foundation
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