This week, we proudly celebrate Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej as our Woman of the Week. A trailblazer in leadership, healthcare, and women’s empowerment, Dr. Kelej embodies the power of purpose-driven service and global influence.
An Egyptian Senator since 2020, she also serves as the CEO of the Merck Foundation, where her visionary leadership has shaped life-changing initiatives across Africa and beyond. Her work spans healthcare, education, women’s rights, and creative social advocacy, making her one of the most respected voices in her field.
Recognition and Global Impact
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej has been named among the 100 Most Influential African Women for six consecutive years, a testament to her impact and consistency in championing progress. She has been recognized globally for her tireless efforts to empower women, improve healthcare systems, and fight social stigmas.
Her achievements include prestigious awards, honorary doctorates, and international recognition. Under her leadership, the Merck Foundation has won major accolades, including NGO of the Year and Best Health Sector Philanthropy, further highlighting her unmatched dedication to humanity.
Pioneering Initiatives
Dr. Kelej is the creative force behind transformative campaigns:
• “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” – a landmark movement addressing infertility stigma, empowering childless women through awareness, economic inclusion, and advocacy.
• Educating Linda Program – scholarships that support the education of high-performing girls across Africa, ensuring they realize their full potential.
• Capacity-Building Scholarships – over 2,000 scholarships provided to young doctors across 50+ countries in underserved medical specialties, strengthening healthcare delivery.
• Creativity for Change – using art, fashion, media, and storytelling to tackle social issues such as gender-based violence, early marriage, FGM, and girls’ education.
A Legacy of Inspiration
What sets Dr. Rasha Kelej apart is her ability to merge leadership with compassion and innovation. By collaborating with African first ladies, governments, artists, and the media, she has built impactful programs that transform societies at scale.
Her commitment goes beyond policy-making; it is about changing mindsets, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for the most vulnerable. Through her initiatives, she has shown the world that leadership is not only about power but also about empathy, creativity, and sustainable change.
Celebrating a True Trailblazer
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej is more than a leader; she is a force of nature, inspiring millions through her dedication to women, children, and communities. Her work demonstrates how vision, action, and resilience can create lasting impact.
For her extraordinary service and groundbreaking achievements, we celebrate Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej as our Woman of the Week; a global icon of leadership, empowerment, and transformation.
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