MONROVIA, Liberia – October 14, 2025 – Liberia’s First Lady, Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, delivered a powerful keynote address at the 12th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary in Banjul, highlighting the transformative role of women in leadership, health, and education across the continent.
Speaking before a gathering of African First Ladies, government ministers, Merck Foundation officials, and international partners, Mrs. Boakai hailed the event as a “cathedral of compassion” where women “transcend the titles of politicians’ wives to become purpose-driven mothers of Africa.”
“Let it be known, we are not here for a ceremony. We are here because we know this truth: if women are the backbone of society, then First Ladies must be the moral span of leadership,” she declared, emphasizing the moral and societal responsibilities carried by women in leadership.
Mrs. Boakai commended the Merck Foundation for its longstanding commitment to Liberia, noting its impact on health and education. “In Liberia, the Merck Foundation’s impact is visible and revolutionary,” she said. She highlighted that 52 Liberian doctors have received scholarships in critically underserved fields, with 71 more currently in the selection process. Several of these professionals are pioneers in their disciplines. She also pointed to the foundation’s Educating Leaders Program, which supports 40 disadvantaged but talented girls, describing it as “scholarships and tickets to dignity, votes of confidence, and shields against poverty.”
The First Lady underscored Liberia’s commitment to addressing social stigma and improving health awareness. “Health is born first in the home, shaped by mindsets and strengthened by the messages people consume, long before it reaches the hospital,” she said, citing campaigns against infertility stigma, mental health taboos, and substance addiction.
In a bold vision for Liberia, she announced the recent launch of a $3 million multi-purpose village to support mothers battling stigma, youth overcoming addiction, and children living with autism. “It is a place of transformation in Africa’s oldest republic, the cradle of Pan-African hope. Liberia is ready,” she said.
Mrs. Boakai also drew on African proverbs and stories to inspire the audience, comparing women leaders to clay molded in fire: “Without a furnace, you will forever remain fragile. So, that clay endured the fire, and came up strong, a vessel fit for service. So, too, we are the women of Africa, especially First Ladies… Refined, not by ease or by fire. And now we pour healing into nations.”
She closed with a call to action: “We are the heartbeat of Africa. Let us speak louder, stronger, and together… Not for attention, but for transformation. Not for applause, but for impact.”
The Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, now in its 12th year, continues to serve as a premier platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaboration among African leaders and their partners, promoting sustainable development, health, and education across the continent.
