Merck Foundation Empowers Journalists, Women Through 7th MFFLI Summit

• Merck Foundation trains journalists from 35 countries on women empowerment
• Summit emphasizes breaking infertility stigma, ending gender-based violence
• Annual awards promote creative storytelling on health and women’s rights

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, successfully organized the 7th edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies (MFFLI) Summit 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe, with the esteemed presence of Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, and distinguished African and Asian First Ladies—Ambassadors of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign.

This year's summit presented a health media training session on the 2nd, aiming at journalists from all over Africa to highlight the vital role of the media in promoting women's empowerment, breaking social taboos around infertility, and defending women’s rights and education. The training emphasized the creation of a cultural change for combat issues such as Gender Based Violence (GBV), child marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM), promoting the detection and early prevention of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Dr. Rasha Kelej highlighted the influential role of the media in the formation of public opinion and boosting the transformation of society, increasing awareness of these critical issues. "I firmly believe that journalists can catalyze real changes through impactful stories, essential to advancing gender equality and women's health," he said.

Since 2017, Merck Foundation has trained more than 3,700 media professionals from 35 countries through its health media training initiative, forming a powerful health network for health and women's rights. The summit also marked two significant milestones: the 8th anniversary of the Merck Foundation and 13 years of ongoing development programs dedicated to empowering women and communities.

The event featured high-level discussions with the first ladies of Africa and Asia, along with the health ministers and global experts, promoting collaboration to accelerate women's leadership and access to health care. Scientific sessions focused on oncology, diabetes, and hypertension were also kept to promote knowledge sharing in these areas.

In addition, the summit announced the release of the 8th Merck Foundation Awards Annual, designed to inspire creative voices in the media, cinema, fashion, music, and youth sectors.in two categories:

• “More than a Mother” Awards – focusing on infertility stigma, women's empowerment, and gender equality.
• “Diabetes & Hypertension” Awards – promoting healthy lifestyle awareness and prevention.

The awards are open to media professionals, filmmakers, designers, musicians, and students from all over Africa and Asia, with sending deadlines in September and October 2025.

Through these programs, Merck Foundation continues to lead the accusation of women's empowerment, health equity, and creative defense, promoting a generation of storytellers that can transform communities and challenge social norms.