Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, released two songs - ‘Girl Can’ in English by singers from Ghana and Liberia, Cwezi & Irene respectively, and ‘Yes, You Can’ in Portuguese by Blaze, a singer from Mozambique, to support Girl education and women empowerment which will help them make informed choice and know those right of not accepting any kind of violence whether physical or mental violence.

“This is our way at Merck Foundation to mark the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls’ because we strongly believe that education is the only powerful weapon to eradicate all violence against women and to advance women's empowerment. I invite all of you to enjoy listening to both songs by Merck Foundation. I am proud to be the executive producer of both songs.” Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized.

“I truly believe that Education is Power and educating girls is empowering them to make their own decisions, aiding them to access economic opportunities, and stand up for their rights thus, helping in preventing gender-based violence and child abuse. With the release of these songs on The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2021 we, at Merck Foundation, would like to encourage everyone to work together to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in our communities. To mark ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls’, Merck Foundation has also released a children storybook called “Not Who You Are” to teach boys to love and respect their future wives. Moreover, to teach children about family values of love and respect. “We have to work together to create a culture shift and stop violence against women and girls through all sectors and all settings.” Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.

Merck Foundation continues its efforts to raise awareness about violence against females, empowering girls and women through education and tries to bring in a culture shift through media, art and fashion.

Below are the details of both the songs released as a part of the Merck Foundation Educating Linda program:

1. Watch, share & subscribe the “Girl Can” song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively:

bit.ly/312HVuO

In this song, two girls are portrayed, one uneducated and therefore powerless to fight injustices and another who has gone to school and fought for her due rights to live a happy life.

2. Watch share & subscribe: “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English, here, sung by two famous singers, Hot Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, talented singers from Mozambique

bit.ly/3nSQeSr 

The song narrates the story of a young underprivileged girl who struggles through many hardships to complete her education and eventually succeeds in obtaining a good education and having a successful career.  

To read the interesting story, “Not Who You Are” click on the link below:

Click here (bit.ly/312WHBu)

“I strongly believe that with education comes empowerment, self-assurance and the ability to determine the right from the wrong, therefore as a woman I would like to urge other women that they should not be silent in case they are facing violence of any kind. I have tried to communicate this very important message through these songs. Moreover, African music artists and musicians are known for their versatility and ability to spread important messages through music. I believe Music and Art have the capacity and influence to make the problem felt, which further stimulates emotions and leads to engagement and action. I think that these songs will add significant value to influence the culture change we are advocating.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej.

“Violence against girls, women, and children remains one of the most widespread and devastating violations of human rights not only in Africa but in our world today. Moreover, since the outbreak of COVID-19, all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, have worsened. However, this largely is unreported due to lack of girls' education, silence, stigma, and shame. With the event of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2021 and the release of the two songs "Girl Can" and “Yes, You Can”, together with children storybook “Not Who You Are” we hope to bring a change in our society and convey that preventing violence against women is a human right that can only be achieved by educating girls”, added Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej. CEO of Merck Foundation.