Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026 – Apply Now

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026

About the Awards

The Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026 have been announced in partnership with African First Ladies. The competition invites African fashion students and designers to create and submit designs that communicate strong and influential messages addressing important social and health issues across Africa. Participants can use fashion and creative design to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, empowering women, ending child marriage, ending female genital mutilation (FGM), and stopping gender-based violence (GBV) at all levels. The awards form part of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign, which uses education, awareness and creative platforms to challenge harmful social norms and promote positive change. Fashion students and designers therefore have an opportunity to use their creativity not only as an artistic expression but also as a tool for advocacy and social transformation.

Award Benefits

Winners will:

• Receive recognition through a press release and public announcement
• Have their designs featured on the Merck Foundation and partners’ website and social media channels
• Be notified personally via email
• Gain visibility for their work and contribution to social change

Who Can Apply?

All African Fashion Students and Designers are eligible to apply.

How to Apply

Submission Email: submit@merck-foundation.com

Subject Line: Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026

Required Details in Email:

• Your Name
• Country
• Institution Name
• Contact details

Attachment: Share your original sketches as attachment(s) in the email.

Selection Committee

The committee is formed to select the winners in an unbiased manner, based on evaluating the practicality of including clear and simple messages to sensitize the communities about the campaign objectives.

Committee Members:

• Chaired by: Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign
• Members:

• Mr. Leonard Saika, Senior Program Director, Merck Foundation
• Ms. Mehak Handa, Senior Manager, Communication and Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation
• Ms. Kanaga Janani Chandrasekaran, Manager, Communication and Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation

Click here to apply

Why This Award Matters

The Merck Foundation Fashion Awards provide a unique platform for African fashion students and designers to use their creativity for social change. By creating designs that raise awareness about infertility stigma, girl education, women empowerment, child marriage, FGM, and gender-based violence, participants contribute to a movement that challenges harmful norms and promotes a more equitable society. For African fashion students and designers, this award offers:

• An opportunity to use fashion for social impact
• Recognition on a continental platform
• Visibility through the Merck Foundation and partners’ channels
• A chance to contribute to the “More Than a Mother” campaign

For More Information: Visit the Official Merck Foundation Fashion Awards Page