Nairobi, Kenya – Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has released the second episode of its TV program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” on social media and prime TV stations across Africa. The episode focuses on ending child marriage and supporting girl education in Africa, featuring African fashion designers, singers, and experts.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasized the importance of education for economic well-being and women empowerment, stating, “Girl education is the best vaccine for HIV and the best investment in the global economy.” She added, “I strongly believe that education is a crucial factor for economic well-being in Africa and a strong strategy not to only women empowerment but also to address other issues such as; Stopping GBV, FGM, breaking Infertility Stigma and STDs prevention.”
The episode featured popular singers Wezi from Zambia and Kenneth from Uganda, who performed songs specially created to support girl education and ending child marriage. Fashion designers from Senegal, Safietou Seck and Aicha Fatou Gaye, showcased their designs that displayed strong and relevant messages on the importance of girl education and the need to end girl child marriage.
Merck Foundation has also released inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films, and songs on women empowerment and girl education. The foundation has secured the future of hundreds of young girls through its “Educating Linda” program, providing scholarships and grants in partnership with African First Ladies.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized Merck Foundation’s commitment to empowering women and young African researchers through the MARS Awards and building healthcare capacity in partnership with African First Ladies. “Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment,” she added. “When a girl is educated, she is better equipped to be financially independent, make better decisions to fulfill her goals, and take better care of her family.”
The episode highlighted the alarming rate of child marriage in Africa, where 4 out of 10 girls are forced to marry before they turn 18 years old, resulting in lack of education and limiting their potential. Merck Foundation’s initiative aims to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa to support girl education and end child marriage.
The TV program has been broadcast on KTN Home in Kenya, BTV (Botswana), Mashariki TV (Burundi), GHOne & TV3 (Ghana), QTV (The Gambia), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa Limited (Malawi), Defi Media (Mauritius), AYV TV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC TV (Zambia), and ZBC (Zimbabwe) and will soon be broadcast on GTV in Ghana, NBC in Namibia, and ZTN in Zimbabwe.
For more information, please visit the Merck Foundation website and social media handles.
