The Germany-based not-for-profit Merck Foundation, in partnership with First Ladies from Africa and Asia, has opened a call for applications for its 2026 Fashion, Song and Film Awards under two themes: “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes & Hypertension”.
The First Ladies also serve as Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. The “More Than a Mother” category focuses on social issues including breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, women’s empowerment, ending child marriage, ending female genital mutilation (FGM), and stopping gender-based violence (GBV). The “Diabetes & Hypertension” category promotes healthy lifestyles and awareness of prevention and early detection of the two conditions.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, said:
Together with my dear sisters, the African and Asian First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, we have announced the Call for Applications for the 2026 Edition of Merck Foundation Fashion, Song & Film Awards ‘More Than a Mother’ and ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’.
I warmly invite entries from Singers, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, and new potential talents in these fields, to submit their creative work, carrying powerful messages that break the silence and become the voices of the voiceless in their communities.
Award categories and deadlines#
- Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Fashion students and designers are invited to submit designs addressing one or more of the listed social issues. Deadline: 30 September 2026.
- Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Singers and musical artists are invited to submit a song addressing one or more of the listed social issues. Deadline: 30 September 2026.
- Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Filmmakers, film students, and young African talents are invited to submit long or short films, including drama, documentary, or docudrama, addressing one or more of the listed social issues. Deadline: 30 September 2026.
- Fashion Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: Fashion students and designers are invited to submit designs promoting a healthy lifestyle and awareness of prevention and early detection. Deadline: 30 October 2026.
- Song Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: Singers and musical artists are invited to submit a song promoting a healthy lifestyle and awareness of prevention and early detection. Deadline: 30 October 2026.
- Film Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: Filmmakers, film students, and young African talents are invited to submit long or short films, including drama, documentary, or docudrama, promoting a healthy lifestyle and awareness of prevention and early detection. Deadline: 30 October 2026.
Recent winners#
Merck Foundation recently announced 50 winners from 15 African countries for the 2025 edition of the Fashion, Song and Film Awards under the same two themes.
