Merck Foundation and African First Ladies Renew Fight Against FGM
Merck Foundation, in partnership with African First Ladies, has marked the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 2026, reaffirming its commitment to ending the harmful practice through girl education, community awareness and media advocacy.
Led by Dr Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation and President of the More Than a Mother campaign, the initiative was commemorated through the Foundation’s flagship programmes, More Than a Mother and Educating Linda, alongside a dedicated episode of the pan-African television programme, Our Africa by Merck Foundation.
Speaking during the commemoration, Dr Kelej stressed that education remains a critical tool in ending FGM, child marriage and stigma around infertility. She said the practice violates the rights and dignity of millions of girls and women and offers no health benefits.
“Together with African First Ladies, we are committed to breaking the silence, raising awareness and empowering communities to stand against this deeply rooted tradition,” she said.
As part of its advocacy, Merck Foundation has used media as a catalyst for change, producing storybooks, animation films, songs and television content aimed at promoting girl education and challenging harmful social norms. A special episode of Our Africa by Merck Foundation focused on the dangers of FGM and appealed to communities across the continent to abandon the practice.
The Foundation also continues to recognise creative advocacy through its annual More Than a Mother Awards, which honour outstanding media, films, songs and fashion designs that raise awareness on ending FGM and supporting girls’ education.
Through the Educating Linda programme, Merck Foundation, in partnership with African First Ladies, has so far provided more than 1,200 annual scholarships to high-performing but underprivileged schoolgirls from 19 African countries, enabling them to complete their education. Beneficiary countries include Zambia, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, The Gambia, Liberia, Namibia and Zimbabwe, among others.
In addition to scholarships, thousands of girls have benefited from the distribution of essential school items and targeted awareness campaigns designed to keep girls in school and empower them to reach their full potential.
According to the World Health Organisation, more than 230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM, with Africa accounting for over 60 per cent of cases. Merck Foundation says these figures underscore the urgency of sustained education, advocacy and community engagement.
The Foundation’s leadership maintains that ending FGM requires collective action by governments, traditional leaders, media, educators and families. By linking girl education with health, dignity and opportunity, Merck Foundation and African First Ladies say they are working to ensure a future where every girl can live a healthy, empowered and dignified life.
