Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej has been recognised for her efforts to empower women, particularly infertile and childless women, and end infertility stigma across Africa.
She has been listed as one of the ‘100 Most Influential Africans of 2019’ in New African Magazine for her ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ campaign. The campaign is a ‘historic’ movement that aims to empower childless or infertile women through access to information, education and change of mind-sets.
Commenting on the recognition, Kelej stated: “I am thrilled and honoured to receive this recognition and to be included in this prestigious list among such an eminent group of people. As an African and an Egyptian woman, I strongly feel the need to empower girls and women, to be able to help them reach their true potential. Through the ‘Merck Mother Than a Mother’ campaign, I have always strived to bring a cultural shift to de-stigmatise infertility on all levels.”
EMPOWERING WOMEN & GIRLS
The campaign improves awareness, trains local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, builds advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders, and supports childless women in starting their own small businesses. It also empowers girls in education and women in STEM.
“It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child,” said Kelej. “This recognition will motivate me to do more. It is my turn now to empower other women in my beautiful continent. I promise to use my influence and experience to support women and girls as much as I can.”
WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION
According to Professor Gertrude Mutharika, The First Lady of Malawi and Ambassador of ‘Merck More Than a Mother’, Kelej “deserves this recognition. Africa needs women like her who are able to mentor others”.
Sarah Opendi, Minister of Health of Uganda, added that Kelej “has beyond description worked hard to get on this list; serving Africa and the African People with honour, dignity, diligence and distinction.”
New Africa Magazine’s list includes 100 personalities from various African countries across various fields, such as political, economic, social and sports. Click here for the complete list.
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