Merck Foundation and African First Ladies Step Up Fight Against FGM Through Girl Education
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Rasha Kelej, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) across Africa through strengthened partnerships with African First Ladies and a renewed focus on girl education.
Speaking as part of activities marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026, Dr. Kelej stressed that education remains a critical tool in tackling harmful cultural practices, including FGM and child marriage, while also addressing stigma surrounding infertility in women.
“FGM is a harmful practice that violates the rights and dignity of millions of girls and women. It has no health benefits, only harms,” she said, calling for collective action to eliminate the practice across the continent.
Through its flagship initiatives such as “More Than a Mother” and “Educating Linda”, the foundation, alongside African First Ladies, continues to raise awareness and empower communities. The organisation also used its pan-African television programme, “Our Africa by Merck Foundation”, to highlight the dangers of FGM and encourage behavioural change.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 230 million girls and women globally have undergone FGM, with Africa accounting for over 144 million cases more than 60 per cent of the total.
Dr. Kelej emphasised that investing in girls’ education is key to breaking this cycle. Under the “Educating Linda” programme, the foundation has provided more than 1,200 annual scholarships to high-performing and underprivileged girls from 19 African countries, including Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Liberia.
Beyond scholarships, the foundation has also distributed essential school materials and produced educational content such as children’s storybooks, animation films, and songs aimed at promoting girls’ education and women’s empowerment.
The “Our Africa” television programme, conceptualised and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej, continues to reach audiences across several African countries, including Zambia, Ghana, and Namibia, using storytelling to address sensitive social issues.
In addition, the foundation’s annual “More Than a Mother Awards” recognises outstanding media, film, music, and fashion contributions that raise awareness about FGM, support girls’ education, and challenge societal stigma.
Dr. Kelej reiterated that partnerships with African First Ladies remain central to the initiative’s success, noting that collective leadership and community engagement are essential to ending deeply rooted practices.
“With continued advocacy, education, and collaboration, we can create a future where every girl has the freedom to live a healthy, empowered and dignified life,” she said.
