‘Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards: Apply Now!

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Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation with H.E. DJÈNÈ CONDÉ, The First Lady of Guinea; H.E. FATIMA MAADA BIO; The First Lady of Sierra Leone; H.E. Prof. GERTRUDE MUTHARIKA, The First Lady of Malawi; H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia; H.E. DENISE NKURUNZIZA, The First Lady of Burundi; H.E. AÏSSATA ISSOUFOU MAHAMADOU, The First Lady of Niger; H.E. BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central African Republic; H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Ghana; H.E. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia; H.E. ANTOINETTE SASSOU-NGUESSO, The First Lady of Congo Brazzaville; H.E. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia; H.E. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of Zimbabwe; H.E. NEO JANE MASISI, The First Lady of Botswana; H.E. Dr. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI, The First Lady of Mozambique and Former First Lady of Mauritania

A call for applications for ‘Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards in collaboration with the Merck Foundation, the philanthropical arm of Merck KGaA Germany, for French-Speaking African Countries in partnership with H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI; H.E. Madam AÏSSATA ISSOUFOU MAHAMADOU; The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo; The First Lady of Chad; The First Lady of Niger; H.E. Madam HINDA DEBY ITNO; The First Lady of Congo Brazzaville; H.E. Madam ANTOINETTE SASSOU-NGUESSO and H.E. Madam AMÏNATA MAIGA KEÏTA, The First Lady of Mali.

‘Raising Awareness on how to Stay Safe and keep Physically and Mentally Healthy during Coronavirus Lockdown’ is the theme for this application.

“The Stay at Home media recognition award would allow the media to raise understanding of our communities,” said Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Enhancing understanding of coronavirus will help healthcare workers at the leading edge of the COVID-19 response-delivering high-quality, compassionate diagnosis and care, as well as enhancing their commitment to lead group discussion in resolving concerns and issues.

“I am very proud to collaborate in more than 15 countries of the First Ladies of Africa in raising awareness of COVID 19 through our significant allies, the media to present misunderstandings and myths. During this troubling period of our lives, this is very important.” Dr. Rasha Kelej added.

Dr. Kelej emphasized, “The pandemic has led to an unprecedented rise in violence against women, a very significant problem in today’s scenario.” The risk of household violence for women and girls are higher because of increased household stress. In addition, school closures result in an increased informal care burden in family circumstances which adversely affects women more than men. Many of these women are currently trapped in their abusers and struggle to gain access to support services. Journalism must also emphasize this issue.

The prizes are open to all journalists from the French, African-speaking countries’ Print, Internet, Radio and Multimedia networks. The prizes were also declared in African-speaking countries, in English, Portuguese and Arabic. The prize will be awarded to the most innovative and influent work in the media to raise visibility and sensitize the communities on this alarming subject.

Merck Foundation has also initiated these awards in Asian and middle eastern countries.

Details of the Merck Foundation “Stay at Home” Media Recognition Awards

Who can Apply: Journalists from Print, Online, Radio and Multimedia Platforms from Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Mali and other French-speaking African countries.

Last date of submission: Entries can be submitted till 30th June 2020

How to apply?

Entries can be submitted via email to info@merck-foundation.com and www.Merck-Foundation.com along with your details (including Name, Gender, Country, Media house, Email address & Mobile Number) and entry as an attachment.