MF marks International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls

As part of the Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” and “Educating Linda” program, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, the Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), along with African First Ladies and local partners, observe the “International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls 2023” through their various community awareness programs to Stop Gender Based Violence, Empower Women & Girls at all levels, Support Girl Education, and more.

“At Merck Foundation, we have been continuously working towards raising awareness about elimination of violence against women and girls through many of our initiatives like children’s storybooks, songs, and also through many episodes of our TV program “Our Africa,” which is broadcast on National TV Stations across Africa,” said Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the organization. We began our campaign to end GBV in collaboration with the First Lady of Botswana, through a highly successful poster contest.

Furthermore, we established the “Educating Linda” program to offer scholarships to underprivileged girls who demonstrate exceptional performance so they can continue their education. This is because we firmly believe that education is one of the most important aspects of women’s empowerment and can undoubtedly contribute to the eradication of all forms of violence against women.

Stopping GBV, Ending FGM, Women Empowerment, and Supporting Girl Education are just a few of the topics covered in episodes of the pan-African TV show “Our Africa,” which is created, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. The show features African fashion designers, singers, and well-known experts from a variety of fields in an effort to raise awareness about social and health issues.

• Visit this link to watch the episode about ending GBV: apo-opa.co/3N0M7Qn
• View the FGM-Ending Episode at https://apo-opa.co/46sFwoN
• Visit this link to watch the episode about women’s empowerment: apo-opa.co/46AT3uy
• Visit this link to view the Girl Education episodes:
• https://apo-opa.co/49OHDGl
  https://apo-opa.co/49LX7et
  https://apo-opa.co/3MZwd9c

In order to teach children about gender-based violence and help them develop a respect for girls and women from an early age, the Merck Foundation, in collaboration with The First Ladies of Africa, has released the heartwarming children’s book “Not Who You Are.” In addition, children’s books like “Educating Linda,” “Jackline’s Rescue,” and “Ride into the Future” have been released to aid in the education of girls.

The Merck Foundation plans to release animation films in four different languages that are based on these storybooks soon.

• Read ‘Not Who You Are’ storybook here: https://apo-opa.co/47MH65T
• Read ‘Educating Linda’ storybook here: https://apo-opa.co/47Rg7pN
• Read ‘Jackline’s Rescue’ storybook here: https://apo-opa.co/3Rj00w8
• https://apo-opa.co/3Rj00w8
• Read ‘Ride into the Future’ storybook here: https://apo-opa.co/3sMyv4x

Merck Foundation has also released many songs to support women empowerment and girl education

• Merck Foundation has released songs in support of women empowerment and girl education.
• 1. Watch, share & subscribe to the “Like Them” song here, a song by Kenneth, a Ugandan Singer: https://apo-opa.co/47tXGba
• 2. Watch and share the “Girl Can” song, a song by Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana : https://apo-opa.co/40TaYLM
• 3. Watch and share the“Take me to School” song, a song by Wezi from Zambia, in support of girls’ education: https://apo-opa.co/3uxPjg8
• 4. Watch and share the “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, meaning “Yes, You Can” by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, from Mozambique  here: https://apo-opa.co/49PrxfN 
• 5. Watch and share the “ABC, 123” song by Sean K from Namibia : https://apo-opa.co/47M2lF4
• 6. Watch and share the “Superwoman Song” by  Cwezi and Adina from Ghana : https://apo-opa.co/3N0NrmB

One of the most pervasive and terrible human rights violations in Africa and the rest of the globe today is violence against girls, women, and children. The majority of this type of violence against women goes unreported because of a lack of awareness, stigma, and shame. Let’s get together to combat gender-based violence on this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Encourage, uphold, and promote women’s rights and girls’ education. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej continued, “Together, we can build a world free from abuse and discrimination.”