Egyptian senator, Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Member of Egyptian Senate (2020-2025) has been named one of the Most Influential African Women in the world for 2020 for the third time.

Additionally, she is nominated this year as “African Woman of the Year 2020” by the New African Woman Magazine UK, and Most Influential African Woman 2020 by Avance Media, to advocate for women empowerment and healthcare capacity building especially during these challenging times of Coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Kelej has been previously recognized as One of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019 by New African Magazine UK to create a historic campaign “Merck More than a Mother” to break the stigma around infertile and childless women in Africa beyond.

Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, is the brain behind inspiring “Merck More Than A Mother” campaign, a rallying call against female infertility stigma. 

Moreover, Rasha Kelej was recognized as one of the Most Influential Africans in 2019. 

The campaign, one of the most successful causes that have been taken forward by Merck Foundation, empowers childless and infertile women through access to information, health, change of mindset, and economic empowerment. 

More than 18 First Ladies rallied behind the campaign as Ambassadors of Merck More than a Mother campaign, which is very impressive.

Some of its innovative initiatives include Health Media Training, Media Recognition Awards, Fashion Awards and Film Awards. Dr Rasha Kelej has also worked closely with local artists to develop local songs to break the infertility stigma in their communities. More than 18 songs have been produced so far.

About Merck Foundation:

The Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com), established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve people’s health and well-being and advance their lives through science and technology. 

Their efforts primarily focus on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a particular focus on women and youth.