Rasha Kelej focuses on Ending Female Genital Mutilation

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA

Germany has launched the Sixth Episode of their First-ever TV program – ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ on their social media handles.

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.

The TV program has been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like KTV in Kenya, NTV in Uganda, and GH One TV in Ghana and ZNBC in Zambia, AYV in Sierra Leone and LTV, Liberia, and it immediately captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa. “Our Africa” TV Program will soon be broadcast on TV 3 in Ghana, BTV in Botswana, KTN in Kenya and QTV in The Gambia. “Our Africa” TV Program is currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (https://apo-opa.info/3SfA0AF), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3YSasvq), Twitter (https://apo-opa.info/3jVPzAw) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3xoxZs7)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (https://apo-opa.info/3Ykd3hH), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3lsqM7q), Twitter (https://apo-opa.info/3Yo3y11) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3SGN568)).

The show is co-hosted by Brian Mulondo from Uganda.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign expressed on the importance of observing this day, “Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a very serious problem that is a deep-rooted social norm in many cultures in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It is high time we act and raise our voice against this age-old futile practice that denies women and girls their dignity, endangers their health, causes needless pain & suffering and many other serious complications that they are forced to live with the rest of their lives such as – infertility, infections, stillborn babies and in some cases can also lead to death.”

According to the UN data, the world over 1 in 4 women have undergone female genital mutilation, this is close to 52 million women world-over. Merck Foundation supports the UN’s cause of putting an end to the practice of FGM by 2030.

“FGM has no health benefits, it only harms girls and women physically and psychologically. FGM can also lead to severe medical complications in women such as infertility as infection due to FGM is one of the main causes of Infertility. FGM also increases the risk of HIV transmission and can cause severe complications during childbirth. We must understand that FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. This practice needs to stop immediately.” Dr. Rasha Kelej added.

“I strongly believe that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment and will definitely help in stopping practices such as FGM which do not benefit anyone, educated mothers will know the harm and danger of FGM on their girls, moreover, Education also fosters questioning and discussion and provides opportunities for individuals to take on social roles that are not dependent on the practice of FGM for acceptance”, Dr. Rasha Kelej further emphasized.

“Together with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation has contributed to the future of 1000’s of girls by providing scholarships to continue their education and providing essential school items, through our “Educating Linda” program in many African countries such as Burundi, Malawi, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger and more. Merck Foundation has released many inspiring children’s storybooks and songs to support girl education. Moreover, we have announced awards of best Film, Song, Fashion Designs and Media on this issue”, added Senator Kelej.

The sixth episode of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ featured popular singer – Kenneth Mugabi from Uganda. The singer presented a new song created to support Girl Education during the episode. Fashion designers from Senegal – Safietou Seck and Aicha Fatou Gaye also featured in this episode and showcased their designs that displayed strong and relevant messages about stopping FGM.

Merck Foundation has also collaborated with various music talents from Africa and released songs that speak address issues such as supporting girl education and women empowerment.