• Post detail
  • Merck Foundation Partners with First Lady of Democratic Republic of Congo Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi
angle-left Merck Foundation Partners with First Lady of Democratic Republic of Congo Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi
la Première Dame de la République Démocratique du Congo Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi

Supporting the livelihoods of women and casual workers affected by the Coronavirus lockdown

Merck Foundation Partners with First Lady of Democratic Republic of Congo Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi

11 May 2020 - 00:00:00
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, partners with the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Madame Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, to support women's livelihoods and the families of casual and daily workers who are most affected by the Coronavirus (COVID -19) lockdown. Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, explained, “The lockdown to control the coronavirus is going to hit most casual and daily workers very hard. Therefore, Merck Foundation has decided to support the strategy of African governments to save people's lives and livelihoods. We have also undertaken similar relief activities in Egypt as well as Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and Niger in partnership with their First Ladies to further support 600-1,000 poor families in each country. as part of the Merck Foundation Initiative “Separated but Connected”. For her part, Mrs. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother, emphasized, “We are delighted with our long-standing partner with Merck Foundation for their support during this period. It is important for us to take care of those seriously affected by the confinement due to the coronavirus. According to Dr. Rasha Kelej the pandemic has led to a horrific increase in violence against women. Women and girls are at higher risk of domestic violence due to increased tensions within the household “Many of these women are currently trapped with their abusers, have difficulty accessing support services, they are alone and suffer in silence” she said Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies supports casual workers with special focus on women under Merck campaign named “More Than a Mother”

Images

00