The CEO of the Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com), the African First Ladies, announce the winners of their 2022 Song Awards “More Than a Mother” to empower women and girls in education, CEO of the Merck Foundation announced the 2023 call for nominations for two SONG Awards from the Merck Foundation in partnership with the African First Ladies.
It is for the initiators to address one or more of the following social problems such as breaking the stigma of infertility, supporting girls’ education, empowering women, ending child marriage, ending FGM and/or stopping GBV. A Merck Foundation Song Award for “Diabetes & Hypertension” will be available to promote healthy living and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension prevention and promoting healthy living in Africa.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, Chair of the More Than a Mother Campaign, said, “I am extremely pleased to announce today the winners of our Merck Foundation SONG Awards “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. in partnership with my dear sisters, African First Ladies. Congratulations to the 15 winners. We have received several submissions from talented singers and musicians from across Africa. I appreciate all the work created by the young talents, their efforts are visible in the quality of the music they have produced and the lyrics have beautifully conveyed important social messages on the theme of awards.”
The theme of the Song Awards was to raise awareness of one of the following social issues, such as breaking the stigma of infertility, supporting girls’ education, empowering women, ending child marriage, end FGM and/or stop GBV at all levels and the theme of the Diabetes & Hypertension Song Awards was to promote healthy living and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of diabetes and hypertension in African countries.
I have always believed that through music and art, problems can be felt, which further stimulates feelings and leads to commitment and action. Therefore, we have introduced our Song Awards. We have also produced over 30 songs and music videos to address many of these critical and sensitive issues in Africa,” added Senator Rasha.
