Singing to empower women in Africa

Merck Foundation and Ghana’s First Lady Rebecca Akufo Addo stepped up last week to raise awareness through music on building heath care in Africa. PHOTO|FILE

Merck Foundation and Ghana’s First Lady Rebecca Akufo Addo stepped up last week to raise awareness through music on building heath care in Africa.

During the annual Conference of Merck Foundation that took place in Ghana’s capital Accra, in partnership with the First Lady of Ghana awareness was raised to build healthcare capacity in efforts to empower African girls and women in education and motivate them to pursue their dreams and reach their potential.

A song was produced in a partnership of Merck Foundation and First Lady of Ghana eyeing to communicate a key message of ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ that women are more than just mothers.

“They (women) are integral and indispensable members of society so through this song we have tried to portray the different roles women are playing and can play in our society,” said Rasha Kelej the CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck More Than a Mother.

“I want to give out a message to all the girls to be dedicated and step into frontiers that are male-dominated. You can be a Doctor, Engineer, Judge, Scientist, Pilot, Banker, Investor, Minister and President. Believe in yourself, you can advance our Africa.”
The song was availed and appreciated by the audience of more than 1000 healthcare providers, policy makers in Ghana’s capital.

The women empowerment song was written and sung by Cwesi and Adina, famous local musicians from Ghana and concept was done by Rasha Kelej the CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck More Than a Mother.

With her Merck Foundations Mrs. Rasha is an African lady who dedicated her time and knowledge to empower women and youth and break the stigma of infertility in the continent.

The First Ladies of Malawi, Liberia and Burundi are also Ambassadors of “Merck More Than a Mother”, working closely with Merck Foundation to spread the message of women being more than just mothers and educating them.

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