Feature highlights leadership journey, healthcare initiatives and educational programs across Africa and Asia
Vogue India has featured Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, in an article titled “Empowering Change: Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Vision for Women-Led Development.” The feature focuses on her leadership journey and the foundation’s initiatives supporting healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment across Africa and Asia.
The article outlines the impact of Merck Foundation programs aimed at strengthening healthcare capacity, supporting girls’ education, addressing infertility stigma, and promoting social development in underserved communities.
Dr. Kelej said, “I am truly honoured to be featured by Vogue India, yet again. As a long-time reader of Vogue, I have always admired its ability to celebrate fashion, individuality, and influential voices. This feature not only highlights the impact of my work but also reflects a message I strongly believe in that women should never feel they must compromise their femininity to become effective leaders. Leadership today is multidimensional; it is not only about the decisions we make, but also about how we present ourselves and represent our mission. I believe confidence, authenticity, professionalism, and personal style can coexist seamlessly, and that embracing our individuality can make us stronger leaders and role models for others.”
Collaboration with African and Asian First Ladies
The Vogue India feature also highlights Dr. Kelej’s collaboration with 33 African and Asian First Ladies through programs focused on women’s empowerment, healthcare access, STEM education, girls’ education, and infertility awareness.
Healthcare Scholarship Programs
Under Dr. Kelej’s leadership, the Merck Foundation has awarded more than 2,600 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties through the Merck Foundation Scholarships Program.
“More Than a Mother” Initiative
Dr. Kelej established the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother movement in 2015. The initiative focuses on supporting infertile and childless women through education, awareness, healthcare access, and social advocacy.
The campaign also works to expand reproductive and fertility care capacity, promote infertility prevention, raise awareness about male infertility, and support girls’ education.
Supporting Girls’ Education
Through the Merck Foundation Educating Linda Program, annual scholarships are provided to high-performing but underprivileged schoolgirls in partnership with African First Ladies.
To date, more than 1,500 annual scholarships have been awarded to girls across 21 African countries, covering school fees and educational expenses including books and uniforms.
Awareness Through Creative Platforms
The feature also examines how Merck Foundation uses media, music, fashion, animation films, and storybooks to address health and social issues. These initiatives aim to increase public awareness and encourage community engagement across multiple countries.
Personal Philosophy
The article also explores Dr. Kelej’s personal approach to leadership and professional development.
She said, “My learnings and takeaways from my work and journey have been to never give up and always be yourself. Be consistent, persistent, and disciplined. Not only in your work commitments and goals, but also in your personal ones, such as daily exercise, healthy eating, and self-development, to stay relevant. Most importantly, practice daily stress management, which is the key to sustainable high performance.”
