CEO of Merck Foundation Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej has met the Minister of Gender Equality & Family Welfare, Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, to share the impact of their programs while underscoring the need for a long-term commitment seeking to address critical social issues, such as supporting girl education and Ending Gender violence
Dr. Rasha Kelej, who is also the CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign commented, “It was a great honor to meet Hon’ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marieand share with her the impact of our partnership and programs since 2017 that aims to transform patient care, build healthcare and media capacity, to empower women in STEM, support girl education and raise awareness about social and health issues in Mauritius and the rest of Africa.”
The senator added, “I am very happy to share that together with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare,we are launching our Educating Linda Program in the country, as a part of which we will be supporting the education of 20 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate. Through this, we will be empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential.”
During her visit, the Merck Foundation CEO also met Senior Officials from the Office of the Hon’ble Minister of Health, Mauritius, where 100 scholarships have been offered to local doctors in 42 critical and underserved specialties.
Merck Foundation also conducted the 4th Edition of their Health Media Training to the intention of Media Representatives in partnership with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius. The training session was conducted to emphasize the important role that media plays in influencing society to create a cultural shift with the aim of addressing a wide range of social and health issues, such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping GBV, Diabetes, and Hypertension awareness. It was co-chaired by the Merck Foundation CEO and the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius.
