Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “More Than a Mother,” in partnership with African First Ladies, invite African fashion students and designers to submit original designs promoting social messages such as women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and ending gender-based violence. Ten winners will receive USD 500 each, with submissions due by 30 September 2026 via email.
Overview of the Awards
The Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 leverage fashion as a platform for social advocacy, encouraging designers to create works that address critical societal issues affecting women and girls. The initiative empowers young African talents to visually communicate powerful messages that contribute to ongoing social change campaigns.
Objectives
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Promote women’s empowerment and girls’ education
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Break infertility stigma
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End child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM)
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Stop gender-based violence (GBV) at all levels
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Encourage creative expression through fashion to raise awareness
Who Can Apply
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African fashion students and designers
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Participants must submit original designs that convey social messages aligned with the campaign’s focus areas
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Works should demonstrate creativity, visual impact, and clarity of messaging
Award Details
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Number of Winners: 10
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Prize: USD 500 per winner to execute their designs
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Awards provide recognition and support to bring awareness-driven creations to life
Submission Guidelines
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Submit entries via email with the subject line:
Merck Foundation Fashion Awards "More Than a Mother" 2026 -
Include in the email:
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Name
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Country
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Institution name (if applicable)
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Contact details
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Submission Deadline: 30 September 2026
Selection Criteria
Entries will be evaluated on:
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Creativity and originality of the design
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Effectiveness in communicating social messages
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Relevance to the focus areas: infertility stigma, girls’ education, women empowerment, child marriage, FGM, and GBV
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Potential community impact and advocacy value
Winner Announcement
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Winners will be personally notified via email
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Public announcement through press releases and Merck Foundation platforms
Tips for Applicants
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Focus on designs that clearly convey social advocacy messages
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Ensure originality and alignment with campaign objectives
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Use visual storytelling to maximize impact and engagement
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Highlight relevance to women’s and girls’ issues in Africa
FAQ
1. Who can participate?
African fashion students and designers.
2. What is the prize?
USD 500 per winner, with 10 winners selected.
3. How should entries be submitted?
Via email with the specified subject line and required personal and institutional details.
4. What is the submission deadline?
30 September 2026.
5. What social issues should the designs address?
Infertility stigma, girls’ education, women empowerment, child marriage, FGM, and gender-based violence.
6. How will entries be evaluated?
Based on creativity, clarity, relevance, and potential community impact.
7. How will winners be announced?
Via email notification, followed by a public announcement on Merck Foundation platforms.
Conclusion
The Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “More Than a Mother” offer African fashion students and designers a platform to use creativity for social advocacy, promoting awareness of key issues affecting women and girls. This initiative empowers young talents to drive meaningful change through visual storytelling, combining fashion and social impact.
For more information, visit Merck Foundation.