Latest news with #FirstLadiesInitiative
Zawya
01-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and First Ladies of Africa and Asia share their partnership journey in Transforming Patient Care Landscape, Supporting Girl Education and Breaking Infertility Stigma
Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19 th and 20 th June. The summit was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, 'I am very proud to conduct Merck Foundation Africa First Ladies Initiatives –MFFLI, together with our Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, the First Ladies of 14 African and Asian Countries, who are also the Ambassadors of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother'. I extend a special welcome to the new members joining our platform. Together we reflected on the impact of our programs and discussed our strategy to continue and explant our efforts to build healthcare capacity and raise awareness on a wide range of sensitive and critical social issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage&FGM, Stopping GBV, Women Empowerment, and important health issues like Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.' Watch the speech of Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees emphasized 'I was pleased to hear from the First Ladies of Africa and Asia about the remarkable progress they have achieved in their countries through Merck Foundation programs. Their achievements play a vital role in our journey of success.' Watch the speech of Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: Merck Foundation has provided till today, more than 2270 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. During the Inauguration Session of the Luminary, the First Ladies delivered their keynote speeches to share the impact of their partnership journey with Merck Foundation. H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe&Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother expressed, 'Since our partnership began in 2019, we've achieved remarkable milestones. Over 130 scholarships have been provided for our young Zimbabwean doctors in critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Oncology, Diabetes, Cardiology, Neonatal Care, Psychiatry, and more. Moreover, through the 'Educating Linda' program, we've also supported 40 girls by covering their tuition fees to help them complete their education. We have never before witnessed a program of such transformative impact in Zimbabwe, we are making history.' Watch the video of The First Lady of Zimbabwe during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, 'It is an honor to join the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit. As a first-time participant, I'm happy to be among my dear sisters—First Ladies of Africa and Asia—and truly inspired by their achievements through Merck Foundation. I'm proud to share that Senegal has received 25 scholarships for young doctors in Oncology, Diabetes, Fertility, and Embryology. We look forward to strengthening this partnership, and eager to scale up further for the benefit of our people.' Watch the speech of The First Lady of Senegal during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe&Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, 'As the Ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother campaign, I'm truly grateful for the impactful programs of Merck Foundation. For the first time, we are implementing such transformative initiatives in our country, and their positive impact is already visible. Under the Educating Linda program, we've supported the education of 40 high performing but underprivileged girls by covering their tuition fees, giving them the opportunity to complete their education and pursue their dreams.' Watch the speech of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, 'As a first-time participant in this remarkable platform, I'm honored to join such a distinguished group of leaders and proud to serve as the Ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother campaign. Merck Foundation has significantly improved patient care in Nigeria by providing 64 scholarships for our young Nigerian doctors in critical specialties like Fertility, Oncology, and Diabetes. We are also supporting the education of 20 high-performing but underprivileged girls through the Educating Linda program. I look forward to strengthening our long-term partnership to build healthcare and media capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education in Nigeria.' Watch the video of The First Lady of Nigeria during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, 'I recently assumed the role of First Lady of Mozambique, and I am truly impressed by the unique and useful programs of the Merck Foundation. It is inspiring to hear firsthand from my fellow First Ladies about the remarkable achievements they have realized in their respective countries through their partnership with Merck Foundation. I am proud to share that 18 scholarships have been provided for young doctors in Mozambique in Diabetes, Acute Medicine, Infectious diseases, and Pain Management. I am excited to be the Ambassador of "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" and drive meaningful and lasting change across our country and beloved continent.' Watch the video of The First Lady of Mozambique during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, 'This is my second time joining this meaningful platform to share the progress of our partnership with Merck Foundation. I'm pleased to note that the Chairman and CEO recently visited the Maldives, and we have started providing scholarships to local doctors in Fertility and Embryology—two vital specialties for our country. We aim to expand into more fields, strengthening our healthcare system. I truly value Merck Foundation's impactful programs and their sincere, results-driven approach. We are proud of this partnership and look forward to deepening it for the benefit of our people.' Watch the video of The First Lady of Maldives during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia &Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother said, 'It was an enriching experience, learning from my dear sisters as they shared success stories and impactful programs in their countries. To date, 51 scholarships have been provided for our doctors in Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, and Diabetes. I'm especially proud that our current Minister of Health is a Merck Foundation alumnus—a powerful example of the program's lasting impact. It equips doctors with vital skills and empowers them to become healthcare leaders. Additionally, we are providing scholarship to support the education of 20 deserving girls through the Educating Linda program. We are proud to keep making history in our country.' Watch the video of The First Lady of Liberia during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, 'I am proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation, through which we have provided 244 scholarships for our Kenyan doctors—half of them awarded to women, marking a strong step toward healthcare equity and women empowerment. I also value the 'Educating Linda' program, through which 47 underprivileged but high-performing Kenyan girls are receiving full support to complete their education. Together, we are shaping a healthier and more equitable future for Kenya.' Watch the video of The First Lady of Kenya during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother emphasized, 'This is my first time attending this conference, and I am thrilled to hear the inspiring stories and achievements of my dear sisters. Dr. Rasha Kelej shared with me in detail about their very impressive programs. I am happy to learn that 210 scholarships have been provided for our young Ghanaian doctors in critical specialties. I am also proud to know that education of 20 of our deserving but underprivileged schoolgirls is being supported through the Educating Linda program. I am committed to supporting more talented girls and look forward to working closely with Merck Foundation to drive lasting change across our continent.' Watch the video of The First Lady of Ghana during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Republic of The Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother emphasized, 'I am very proud of our partnership that began in 2017, we have achieved significant milestones together since then. We have provided 88 scholarships for young Gambian doctors in many critical specialties. This is a very high number for our country and has significantly contributed to transform our patientcare landscape. Together, we have also supported the education of 40 schoolgirls as a part of Educating Linda program, giving them an opportunity to shape a brighter and more secure future for themselves, their families, and their communities.' Watch the video of The First Lady of The Gambia during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, 'I am honored to be part of this esteemed platform. Though our partnership with Merck Foundation began only last year, it is already making an impact. Three doctors from Gabon have received scholarships in Oncology and Diabetes Care, and I look forward to scaling it up together with our Ministry of Health. I am also proud of the Educating Linda Program, through which we are supporting the education of 20 schoolgirls who are high0perfoming yet under-privileged, and we are committed to benefit more. I am confident that our long-term partnership will lead to even greater impact and outcomes.' Watch the video of The First Lady of Gabonese during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central Africa&Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother emphasized 'I am proud to be one of the earliest members of this impactful platform. Since 2015, our partnership with Merck Foundation has supported healthcare capacity building through scholarships for our doctors in Oncology and Diabetes. Together, we launched the 'Empowering Berna' program to help infertile and childless women start small businesses and become financially independent. Under the 'Educating Linda' program, we are providing scholarships to 40 underprivileged schoolgirls from our country.' Watch the video of The First Lady of Republic of Central African Republic during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde&Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother said, 'I'm proud to share that we've enrolled our local doctors for specialized training in Oncology and Fertility, a milestone in strengthening our healthcare system. Through the Educating Linda Program, we've also provided scholarships to 42 schoolgirls, helping them complete their education and help them reach their full potential. I look forward to our continued impact — transforming lives and building a healthier, brighter future.' Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Cabo Verde during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, 'I am truly impressed by the significant impact of Merck Foundation's programs. Together we are committed to building lasting impact in Angola by supporting girls' education, ending gender-based violence and child marriage, and strengthening healthcare and media capacity for a better future.' Watch the video of The First Lady of Angola during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: The 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation: @ Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( and YouTube ( @ Rasha Kelej: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( and YouTube ( Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through: • 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through: • 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa • 8 Children's Storybooks in three languages - English, French, and Portuguese • 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes&Hypertension and supporting girl education. • Pan African TV Program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation' addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through 'Fashion and ART with Purpose' Community • 950+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Additional Images: Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669 Email: Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Merck Foundation Chairman, CEO, and 14 First Ladies Inaugurate the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit in Dubai
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates --(BUSINESS WIRE/AETOSWire)-- Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative together with First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers: H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola; H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde; H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, First Lady of the Central African Republic; H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, First Lady of the Gabonese Republic; H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia; H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, First Lady of the Republic of Ghana; H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya; H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia; H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives; H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique; H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe; H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal; H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, 'It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, our Ambassadors of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother' to the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit. We shared valuable experiences and meaningful discussions to advance patient care and address critical social and health issues. I am proud that Merck Foundation has provided 2,270+ scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, many becoming the first specialists in their fields.'
Business Upturn
19-06-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Merck Foundation Chairman, CEO, and 14 First Ladies Inaugurate the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit in Dubai
By Business Wire India Published on June 19, 2025, 15:06 IST Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19th and 20th June in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of 'Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative' emphasized, 'It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and Ambassadors of our 'More Than a Mother' campaign to the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit. Through this important platform, we have collectively exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.' Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, added, 'At Merck Foundation, our goal is improving overall health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and by providing access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in Africa, Asia and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank our Ambassadors and partners. Together, with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will continue to work towards our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.' The First Ladies of 14 countries, who are also the Ambassadors of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother', joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. They are: Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, 'I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and Partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries.' 'During our Conference, we also marked together the World Infertility Awareness Month, observed in June, through our signature campaign 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother', which aims to empower infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, and change of mindset. I am happy to share that out of the total 2280 scholarships, more than 700 scholarships have been provided for training in Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women's Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine, to improve access to fertility care and women's health', she further added. During the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked: the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation's development programs that started in 2012. On the first day, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe. On Day 2 of the conference, three key parallel sessions will be held: Two medical and scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics, and a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness. The conference is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling over 6,000 audiences from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health and social challenges in their countries safely and effectively. Countries participating in the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative: Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more. The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation: @Merck Foundation: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. @Rasha Kelej: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through: Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through: Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Business Wire India, established in 2002, India's premier media distribution company ensures guaranteed media coverage through its network of 30+ cities and top news agencies.
The Independent
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
A hundred days of ‘missing' Melania Trump
At the end of January, after Trump was ensconced in the White House for the second time, NPR reported that his wife, Melania, would be returning to Washington 'with significant experience under her belt'. Anita McBride, director of the First Ladies Initiative at American University, told the station that any past perceptions that Melania didn't want to do that job were 'now erased', and they played a soundbite of the first lady telling a Fox News host that while 'some people … see me as just the wife of the president … I'm standing on my own two feet, independent. I have my own thoughts.' 'One thing's definite,' the NPR host concluded, 'the public is going to be seeing more of Melania Trump.' But, then, we didn't. Apart from a public sighting of the first lady at Pope Francis 's funeral on the eve of her 55th birthday this weekend, in the first 100 days of Trump's presidency, Melania Trump has in fact been conspicuous by her absence. After the pope's funeral, where the Catholic first lady wore Dolce and Gabbana for the service, complete with a veil, lace gloves and a diamond cross necklace, the couple went their separate ways as soon as they landed in America. The first lady got into her SUV at Newark airport, while the president boarded Marine One to head to his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf course, with Trump giving his wife a hastily remembered peck on the cheek before he boarded the helicopter. As son Barron Trump lives in New York City, there was speculation she may have been heading there to spend her birthday evening with him instead of with her husband. While the first couple held hands throughout the funeral service, this open display of affection was the closest they had been in public for months. At the last two GOP conventions, she gave prime time speeches in support of his nomination. Not in 2024. When her coffee-table memoir, Melania, was published in October, she gave an interview to Fox News to promote it. But since entering the White House, she's stayed out of the public eye. A social source told People magazine that Melania has stayed at both Mar-a-Lago and the White House, but that she hasn't spent meaningful time at the White House in an official capacity. '[Donald and Melania] both live at Mar-a-Lago and have quarters in the White House,' the source told the magazine. 'But she leads her own life and joins him when appropriate in either place.' Nina Burleigh, who wrote about Melania in her 2018 book The Trump Women: Part of the Deal and pens a weekly newsletter on Maga world called American Freakshow, says her absence is by design. It is, she says, a calculated choice that has been made by both Melania and her husband for her to mostly avoid public appearances. Not only is Melania disinterested in a more prominent role as first lady, but she's also served her purpose in Trump World, too, Burleigh believes. 'I have to make clear that this is totally my opinion, but as a long-time observer of the politics of the Maga world and of Trump, of the way they interacted in the first administration, and also from doing my research into her personality and history for the book on the Trump women, I would say that she's an introvert by nature,' Burleigh says. 'She barely spoke English when they started the first campaign because she spent a lot of time in this little circle with her family – with her mum and dad, and her son, [Barron] of course, who has spoken Slovenian since childhood. She lived in this Slovenian bubble, and then they put her out in front of the public. When she had to talk, it was very difficult for her. She got past that, but she's just not somebody who's particularly innately suited to campaigning or to public life. She's happy to not do it.' Melania's mother, whom she was very close to, died in January 2024, and Burleigh says Trump himself has little need for Melania to play the doting wife in public anymore. 'The second Trump regime has sort of abandoned all pretence when it comes to norms, and especially the norms with respect to women,' she said. 'This is a different kind of administration, he doesn't need to pretend that he's a good husband and a father. It's all done. 'The women who are around him want to project toughness. Like Kristi Noem, (the Homeland Security secretary), cosplaying wearing a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) costume and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt who's just shamelessly spewing bull****. He doesn't need Melania to be there anymore. Putting her out there served its purpose in the first round.' Compare this to the high-profile appearances of Usha Vance, wife of US vice president JD Vance. This month, they were posing with their three children, daughter Mirabel and sons Ewan and Vivek, alongside India's president Narendra Modi. This was after a trip to Italy a week before, when Vance met with prime minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis a day before his death. A trip by Vance and his wife to Greenland was also in the headlines when Usha was forced to scale back to a visit to just one US space base, and not to the capital Nuuk and cultural events like a popular annual dog sled race that she had originally wanted to do. As all these appearances are meticulously planned and highly choreographed, Burleigh now wonders whether we'll see more of Melania when the $40m Amazon documentary about her life is released later this year. Just weeks after Amazon founder Jeff Bezos had dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago shortly after his election, his streaming service was said to have paid an 8-figure sum for a documentary and a limited series about Melania. Both Disney+ and Paramount were apparently outbid. The documentary is being directed by Brett Ratner, a name once synonymous with blockbuster success, but which is now linked to the sexual misconduct allegations that derailed his Hollywood career in 2017. Filming has apparently been underway since January, and Amazon said the final cut will offer viewers an 'unprecedented behind-the-scenes look' at Melania, who the team insists has a 'truly unique story'. While Burleigh acknowledges that Maga devotees talk about how 'women should maybe just sit at home making more babies and let their husbands vote', she also says she wouldn't be surprised if we see more of Melania in the next 100 days. As the film buzz begins, she suspects 'she'll maybe come out of the woodwork then'. And if the last 100 days are anything to go by, as the Trump world spins faster and faster, the rest of us can expect quite a show.
