Latest news with #FirstLadies
Al Bawaba
5 days ago
- Health
- Al Bawaba
'Girl Education Today for Women Empowerment Tomorrow': Emphasizes Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej on International Women's Day 2025
Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa who are also their Ambassadors, Ministries of Health, Education, Communication & Gender, mark 'International Women's Day 2025', through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African Women for Six Consecutive Years (2019 - 2024) expressed, 'Happy International Women's Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world! Empowering girls and women is at the core of all our initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. I recognize the immense potential of women to thrive, succeed and excel in any domain they choose, yet they often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities. Therefore, together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, we mark International Women's Day every day since the last 13 years through our development programs and initiatives such as 'More Than a Mother', 'Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement', 'Educating Linda', and 'STEM Program'." "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education and change of mindset. 'I am thrilled to share that out of the 2,282 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1063 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been granted to female medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders. I am especially proud that we have awarded over 716 scholarships to young doctors, dedicated to advancing women's health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity.' Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. 'I am happy to share that through our 'Educating Linda' Program, together with my dear sisters, our Ambassadors, we are supporting the education by providing over 950 scholarships for high performance and underprivileged African schoolgirls, empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls in many African countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Verde and more. Moreover, we have benefitted thousands of girls through our awareness campaign through many initiates like the release of inspiring songs, children's storybooks, animation films, TV Program and awards for best media, song, film & fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women's empowerment tomorrow', emphasized Senator Rasha Kelej. Merck Foundation also actively empowers women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence. 'Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM,' emphasized Dr. Kelej.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
'Girl Education Today for Women Empowerment Tomorrow': Emphasizes Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej on International Women's Day 2025
Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa who are also their Ambassadors, Ministries of Health, Education, Communication&Gender, mark ' International Women's Day 2025', through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African Women for Six Consecutive Years (2019 - 2024) expressed, 'Happy International Women's Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world! Empowering girls and women is at the core of all our initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. I recognize the immense potential of women to thrive, succeed and excel in any domain they choose, yet they often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities. Therefore, together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, we mark International Women's Day every day since the last 13 years through our development programs and initiatives such as 'More Than a Mother', 'Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement', 'Educating Linda', and 'STEM Program'." "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education and change of mindset. 'I am thrilled to share that out of the 2,282 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1063 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been granted to female medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders. I am especially proud that we have awarded over 716 scholarships to young doctors, dedicated to advancing women's health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity.' Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. 'I am happy to share that through our 'Educating Linda' Program, together with my dear sisters, our Ambassadors, we are supporting the education by providing over 950 scholarships for high performance and underprivileged African schoolgirls, empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls in many African countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Verde and more. Moreover, we have benefitted thousands of girls through our awareness campaign through many initiates like the release of inspiring songs, children's storybooks, animation films, TV Program and awards for best media, song, film&fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women's empowerment tomorrow', emphasized Senator Rasha Kelej. Merck Foundation also actively empowers women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence. 'Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM,' emphasized Dr. Kelej. Watch the Episodes of 'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV program on Supporting Girl Education: Episode 2: Episode 11: Episode 14: Listen to Merck Foundation song about Supporting Girl Education here: 1. Watch, share&subscribe to the ' Girl Can ' song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: 2. Watch, share&subscribe the ' Like Them ' song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: 3. Watch, share&subscribe ' Take me to School ' song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls' education: 4. Watch share&subscribe ' Tu Podes Sim ' Portuguese song, which means ' Yes, You Can ' in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: 5. Watch, share&subscribe ' Brighter day ' song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: Watch the Merck Foundation Animation Films to Support Girl Education : Ride into to Future: Jackeline's Rescue: Read the Merck Foundation storybook addressing the importance of Girl Education: 1. To read Educating Linda Storybook, pls visit: 2. To read Jackline's Rescue Storybook, pls visit: 3. To read Ride into the Future Storybook, pls visit: 4. To read Not Who You Are Storybook, pls visit: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager +91 9310087613 +91 9319606669 Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Scottish Sun
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Kay Burley joins This Morning after bitter feud with another star of the show
KAY Burley made her This Morning debut this week - stepping into a segment regularly fronted by Camilla Tominey. The veteran broadcaster made her debut on the ITV sofa just weeks after a public spat with regular contributor Camilla - and appeared to step directly into her territory. 4 Kay Burley has made her debut on ITV's This Morning 4 She sat besied Gyles Brandreth to discuss the day's news 4 She had a public spat with This Morning contributor Camilla Tominey earlier this year Credit: Rex Kay appeared alongside Gyles Brandreth to discuss the day's news, including the Princess of Wales pulling out of Royal Ascot yesterday — a subject closely associated with Royal correspondent Camilla. Taking the lead on the topic, Kay said: 'The point I'm trying to make is the conspiracy theorists will be asking, well why is she not there, where is she?' Camilla is This Morning's royal expert and appeared on the ITV daytime show on Monday. The appearance follows a blistering column by Camilla, who described Kay as 'TV's answer to Liz Truss' in the wake of her departure from Sky News. She added: 'Some may say good riddance' and called her 'as resilient as her facelift.' Kay, 64, hit back, accusing Camilla of misogyny and writing on X: '#Sweetie @CamillaTominey as the late, great Madeleine Albright said, there is a special place in hell for women who don't support other women.' While tensions between the two broadcasters simmered, others in the industry rushed to support Kay's legacy. Susanna Reid called her 'a powerful interviewer and a supporter of women in television,' while Victoria Derbyshire said she had 'blazed an absolute trail.' Kay joined Sky News as a founding presenter in 1989 and left earlier this year after 36 years on air. She had been the face of Sky News for major world events, such as the death of Princess Diana, the births of the Royal babies and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Kay Burley, 64, retires from Sky News after 36 years and says 'it's time for me to indulge in other passions'- As well as hosting live TV, Kay published her debut novel, First Ladies in 2011, which was followed by her second book Betrayal in 2012. The anchor's career first started in BBC local radio and Tyne Tees Television. She then joined ITV's TV-am in 1985 as a reporter and occasional newsreader. Kay shares her only child - who's real name is Alexander - with her ex-husband, Steve Kutner. Before leaving Sky News in February, Kay had hosted the 24-hour rolling news channel's breakfast programme for the last five years, moving from her afternoon slot in 2019. Leaving Sky News, she said: "From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it's been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business. "News by its very nature is often devastating and together we've covered so many life-changing events - from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster. "But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing. "But after over a million minutes of live TV news - more than anyone else in the world - its time for me to indulge in some of my other passions - including my love for travel. "So, after covering 12 separate general elections - including Sir Keir Starmer's victory last year - I am retiring from Sky News - let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news! "Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome. "I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch." Sky bosses took Kay off air for six months in 2020 after her birthday bash flouted Coronavirus lockdown rules at the time with the anchor apologising for the "error of judgement".
The Irish Sun
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Kay Burley joins This Morning after bitter feud with another star of the show
KAY Burley made her This Morning debut this week - stepping into a segment regularly fronted by Camilla Tominey. The veteran broadcaster made her debut on the ITV sofa just weeks after a public spat with regular contributor Advertisement 4 Kay Burley has made her debut on ITV's This Morning 4 She sat besied Gyles Brandreth to discuss the day's news 4 She had a public spat with This Morning contributor Camilla Tominey earlier this year Credit: Rex Kay appeared alongside Taking the lead on the topic, Kay said: 'The point I'm trying to make is the conspiracy theorists will be asking, well why is she not there, where is she?' Camilla is This Morning's royal expert and appeared on the ITV daytime show on Monday. The appearance follows a blistering column by Camilla, who described Kay as 'TV's answer to Liz Truss' in the wake of her departure from Sky News. Advertisement READ MORE ON THIS MORING She added: 'Some may say good riddance' and called her 'as resilient as her facelift.' Kay, 64, hit back, accusing Camilla of misogyny and writing on X: '#Sweetie @CamillaTominey as the late, great Madeleine Albright said, there is a special place in hell for women who don't support other women.' While tensions between the two broadcasters simmered, others in the industry rushed to support Kay's legacy. Susanna Reid called her 'a powerful interviewer and a supporter of women in television,' while Victoria Derbyshire said she had 'blazed an absolute trail.' Advertisement Most read in News TV Kay joined Sky News as a founding presenter in 1989 and left earlier this year after 36 years on air. She had been the face of Sky News for major world events, such as the death of Princess Diana, the births of the Royal babies and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Kay Burley, 64, retires from Sky News after 36 years and says 'it's time for me to indulge in other passions'- As well as hosting live TV, Kay published her debut novel, First Ladies in 2011, which was followed by her second book Betrayal in 2012. The anchor's career first started in BBC local radio and Tyne Tees Television. She then joined ITV's TV-am in 1985 as a reporter and occasional newsreader. Advertisement Kay shares her only child - who's real name is Alexander - with her ex-husband, Steve Kutner. Before leaving Sky News in February, Kay had hosted the 24-hour rolling news channel's breakfast programme for the last five years, moving from her afternoon slot in 2019. Leaving Sky News, she said: "From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it's been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business. "News by its very nature is often devastating and together we've covered so many life-changing events - from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster. Advertisement "But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing. "But after over a million minutes of live TV news - more than anyone else in the world - its time for me to indulge in some of my other passions - including my love for travel. "So, after covering 12 separate general elections - including Sir Keir Starmer's victory last year - I am retiring from Sky News - let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news! "Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome. Advertisement "I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch." Sky bosses took Kay off air for six months in 2020 after her birthday bash flouted Coronavirus lockdown rules at the time with the anchor apologising for the "error of judgement". 4 Kay retired from Sky News in February Credit: Sky News
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Merck Foundation's 7th Edition of First Ladies Initiative Summit Brings Together 14 African and Asian First Ladies to discuss the impact of their programs
Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19 th and 20 th June in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of 'Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative' emphasized, 'It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and Ambassadors of our 'More Than a Mother' campaign to the 7 th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit. Through this important platform, we have collectively exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.' Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, 'At Merck Foundation, our goal is improving overall health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and by providing access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in the Africa, Asia and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank our Ambassadors and partners. Together, with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will continue to work towards our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.' The First Ladies of 14 countries, who are also the Ambassadors of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother', joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. They are: H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, 'I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and Partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries.' 'During our Conference, we also marked together the World Infertility Awareness Month, observed in June, through our signature campaign 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother', which aims to empower infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, and change of mindset. I am happy to share that out of the total 2280 scholarships, more than 700 scholarships have been provided for training in Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women's Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine, to improve access to fertility care and women's health', she further added. During the 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8 th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation's development programs that started in 2012. On the first day, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe. The Day 2 of the conference will have three key parallel session will be held- Two medical and scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics, and a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage&FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness. The conference is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling over 6,000 audiences from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health and social challenges in their countries safely and effectively. Countries participating in the 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative: Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more. The 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation: @ Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( and YouTube ( @ Rasha Kelej: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( and YouTube ( Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through: • 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through: • 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa • 8 Children's Storybooks in three languages - English, French, and Portuguese • 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes&Hypertension and supporting girl education. • Pan African TV Program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation' addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through 'Fashion and ART with Purpose' Community • 950+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager +91 9310087613 +91 9319606669 Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
