Senator Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation Named Among the Most Influential African Woman in the World, as “African Woman of the Year 2020”, for the Third Time

• NAW: Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, is truly a force of nature and one of Africa’s unsung ‘sheroes’ of women’s empowerment and health advocates. Here at the NAW, we will be right behind this inspirational woman, all the way.
• SENATE APPOINTMENT in December 2020: Dr. Rasha Kelej appointed as a Senator, member of the Egyptian Senate (2020-2025) by President of Egypt, H.E. Mr. ABDEL FATTAH AL-SISI.
• Africa’s First Ladies congratulate Rasha Kelej for her appointment as Member of Egyptian Senate and for being among the Most Influential Africans in the world.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE/AETOSWire)-- 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, as 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, for her efforts 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 for creating historic campaign “Merck More than a Mother” to break the stigma around infertile and childless women in Africa and beyond.

Senator Dr. Kelej is PROLIFIC WOMEN AND HEALTH RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER

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 for which she was recognized as one of the Most Influential Africans 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. Kelej has also worked closely with local artists to develop local songs to break the stigma of infertility in their communities. More than 18 songs have been developed so far.