Private sectors in Africa are more innovative and dynamic than ever before. At the same time, its youth are plugged-in and eager to become full-fledged members of the globalised world. African women have gradually taken on a more significant role than ever before in the economic sphere, winning, with patience and determination, an ever-growing number
Graça Machel Trust Archive Picture Women bring unique feminine qualities and valuable perspectives to every industry and every decision-making table. Be vocal and make your voices heard. Challenge the norms that you feel constrain you. The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed a lot of social and economic crisis around the world. However, one thing
Equipping children with increased skills, knowledge about their rights and where to go and seek help whenever they feel their rights have been violated has always been a priority for the Trust. The year 2020 saw the Child Rights Programme make concerted efforts to empower and strengthen children's capacity by developing  and conducting training for
One in every four adolescent girls in the world lives in Sub-Saharan Africa. If well nurtured, they will be integral in Africa's social transformation and economic development. In the last few months, Mrs. Graça Machel has focused on developing a movement focused on nurturing African adolescent girls' innate power.  Photo credit: Annie-Spratt
âGirls are ready to leadâŚput girls in charge. You will be pleasantly surprised by what they can do.â This riveting statement made by UN Womenâs Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka captures the essence of the astute and engaging panel discussion on overcoming barriers to education for girls in a COVID-19 world. The online webinar held on
446th Dies Natalis of Leiden University.  Graça Machel Trust Founder, Mrs Graça Machel was conferred the title of âDoctor Honoris Causaâ of the University of Leiden in the Netherlands on February 8, 2021. In a special ceremony, which marked the 446th anniversary of the university, Mrs. Machel was made an honorary doctor
Leiden University, Netherlands February 8, 2021 *** Professor Ton Liefaard, Vice-Dean for Education Professor of Children's Rights UNICEF Chair in Childrenâs Rights  I thank you so much for that kind introduction.  I also extend my gratitude to: the Faculty Board of Leiden (LAY-DEN) Law School and the College of Deans of Leiden (LAY-DEN) University
On February 5, Global Peace launched a Futures Forum virtual Global Inter-Generational Dialogue attended by a panel of young leaders who challenged their fellow youth to play an active role in advocating for change.  Founder of the Graça Machel Trust, Mrs. Graça Machel, who also serves as Chair of Global Peace and member of
The Trust supports and mobilises civil society networks on issues of ending child marriage, ending violence against children, ending female genital mutilation and promoting childrenâs rights, to carry out advocacy and action across Africa. Special focus is placed on Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia where child marriage continues to be a problem largely driven by poverty, gender inequality, harmful traditional practices, conflict, low levels of literacy, limited opportunities for girls and weak or non-existent protective and preventive legal frameworks.
Education is a fundamental right for all children, which is also a vehicle for social, economic and political transformation in communities, countries and the African continent at large. Recent studies indicate a lack of progress in some of the critical commitments aimed at improving education quality, access, retention and achievement, particularly for girls. In most African countries, girls may face barriers to learning, especially when they reach post-primary levels of education. By implementing multi-dimensional approaches to education which includes core education, personal development, life skills and economic competencies, the Trust partners with funding partners, governments, civil societies and the private sector to improve education access.
The Nutrition and Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition, (RMNCAH+N) of the Childrenâs Rights and Development Programme aims at promoting the Global Strategy for women, children and adolescentsâ health within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda. The strategy emphasises on the importance of effective country leadership as a common factor across countries making progress in improving the health of women, children and adolescents.
Through its Early Childhood Development (ECD) plan, The Trust will seek to put into action the new science and evidence Report that was presented by Lancet Series on Good and early development – the right of every child. This will be achieved by mobilising like-minded partners to contribute in the new science and evidence to reach all young children with ECD. The Trustâs goal is to be a catalyst for doing things differently, in particular, to rid fragmentation and lack of coordination across ECD sectors. In response to evidence showing the importance of political will in turning the tide against the current poor access and quality of ECD. Even before conception, starting with a motherâs health and social economic conditions, the early years of a childâs life form a fundamental foundation that determines whether a child will survive and thrive optimally.