In the quest of inspiring the next generation of women in Africa, Tanzania President, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, The Prime Minister of Namibia, Rt. Hon Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila have been named amongst 100 Most Influential African Women 2023.
Avance Media group has picked women who are passionate about leading change and challenging the Status Quo. The media through its girls’ empowerment project, Be A Girl, launched the annual publication.
The publication highlights and celebrate the astounding accomplishments of 100 women. This women hail from Africa and have been dubbed: 100 Most Influential African Women.
The list of 100 Most Influential African Women 2023 comprises of prominent African women. The listed women have broken the bias across the world.
Notable personalities to feature include but are not limited to Presidents, Diplomats, Board Chairs, CEOs and Scholars. Likewise, Chancellors, Politicians, and Philanthropists have also featured. However, this individuals must be of distinguished personalities in their field of work.
Also Read: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Africa’s Women CEOs Lead Top-Performing Companies, Says Report
Tanzania President, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan
Tanzania President, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan has been on the limelight ever since she assumed the Presidency. Although not new in Tanzania political scenes. Samia became president in March 19, 2021.
In her first year as president, Samia appointed more women to her cabinet to lead prominent ministries. They include ministries of Health, Tourism and Security. Contrary to her predecessor.
Tanzania President Samia is a soft politician, who has recently insisted on peaceful, decent political campaigns.
Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej
At the same time, Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej was named for the fifth year in the publication. She became one of 100 Most Influential African Women 2023.
The NGO was recognized as the Most Influential NGO, Likewise, it was named the Best Health Sector Philanthropy of the year 2023. This is because of its collective efforts are shaping Africa’s Future and transforming its healthcare landscape.
At the same time, the president has been leading a rating firm, Avance Media that launches their annual publication to highlight and celebrate the remarkable endeavours of African women.
Speaking about being featured in the 100 Most Influential African Women list. Senator Dr. Kelej stated.
“I am honored to be recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women under CSO & Philanthropy category, for the fifth consecutive year.
Thank you all for recognizing my efforts & commitment, which is part of Merck Foundation’s commitment towards building healthcare capacity, transforming the patient care landscape with a special focus on women’s health, empowering women & girls so that they can reach their potential and pursue their dreams.
I promise to continue to my efforts in leading Merck Foundation to further empower women, support girl education, and improve patient access to quality and equitable healthcare in Africa, Asia and beyond,”
Also Read: AfDB, AGF Boost Women Access to Finance with $2bn for Startups
Senator Dr. Kelej Award
On the other hand, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej received a Doctorate of Letters (D.Litt) Degree (Honoris Causa) by the Krishna World University, India. She received the award for her outstanding achievement in the social sciences, justice and reform, earlier this year.
Moreover, under her leadership, Merck Foundation became the “2022 NGO of the year,”
The Most Influential NGO in Africa whose collective efforts greatly contribute to Shaping Africa’s Future.
This is through key sectors such as Health, Education and Economic empowerment by transforming patient care landscape, creating a culture shift, supporting girl education, empowering women, and breaking infertility stigma in Africa and beyond.
“I am proud that in partnership with 22 First Ladies of Africa as Ambassadors of “More Than a Mother” Campaign. We have provided more than 1700 scholarships to young doctors from 50 countries. Scholarships of one-year, two-year, and three-year Diploma and Master Degree in more than 42 critical and underserved specialties are provided to these doctors who became the first specialists in their countries…,”Dr. Kelej explained.
Program Initiatives
Through the ‘Educating Linda’ program in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign. She has contributed to the future of thousands of school girls by providing scholarships and essential school items in many African countries.
This program has benefitted many girls by providing scholarships in many African countries. They include Burundi, Central African Republic, DRC, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
Merck Foundation has also announced the MARS Awards to appreciate and recognize ‘Best African Women Researchers’ and ‘Best Young African Researcher’.
The 2023 list of 100 Most Influential African Women
The aim is to empower women and young African researchers, advance their research capacity and promote their contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), with a focus on “The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive Care” this year.
The 2023 list of 100 Most Influential African Women has a representation of the most powerful African women. They come from 36 African countries.
Likewise, 2023 list of 100 Most Influential African Women come from various background.They include diplomacy, philanthropy, politics, activism, entrepreneurship, business leadership, sports, media and entertainment
These women who have climbed the corporate ladder, started their own businesses, or have been at the forefront of decision making both locally & internationally.
About Ranking
The publication normally ranks100 Most Influential African Women. The publication further presents a summary of women who have climbed the corporate ladder. Likewise, those who started their own businesses, or have been at the forefront of decision making both locally & internationally.
Criteria for selection includes:
Excellence in Leadership & Performance
Personal accomplishments
Commitment to sharing knowledge
Breaking the Status Quo
Being an accomplished African Woman