Zambia is currently grappling with an energy crisis impacting economic growth and daily life across the nation. Recognising the untapped potential of women to drive change, the Graça Machel Trust launched the GMT Energy and Climate Action Network Summit in Lusaka to position women as leaders in addressing the country's energy challenges. According to the
"There is no effort too little to make a change," said Shiphra Chisha, Director of Programmes at the Graça Machel Trust, as she addressed an enthusiastic crowd of over 100 adolescent girls from Katlehong, Leondale, and Soweto. Affectionately known as the "Eagles," these girls are part of the Trust's Pan African Adolescent Girlsâ Movement and
On a global scale, women are 20% less likely to start business ventures compared to men. In South Africa, women entrepreneurs face significant challenges, including limited access to funding, mentorship, and networks, as well as societal expectations and gender biases, highlighting the urgent need for gender-focused investment and support.[1] Â Â Â In response to
Charity Mandishona, the Country Representative of the Graça Machel Trustâs Network of African Businesswomen â Zimbabwe chapter, is a passionate advocate for women and girls' rights, a dedicated feminist, and an 'economic promotion' trainer. With a rich background in supporting women's entrepreneurship, Charity plays an important role on the boards of several influential organisations, including
To overcome market entry barriers and enhance women entrepreneursâ s access to local markets, the Trust has actively developed strategic partnerships, orchestrated convenings, and connected women to exhibitions and forums to advance them in the agricultural value chains. The Trust supported three women entrepreneurs from our Women Creating Wealth's Agricultural Value Chains and Fair for
Our Founder Mrs. Graça Machel and Interim CEO and Board of Trustees member, Theo Sowa, attended the 5th Annual African Philanthropy Conference held at Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, from July 29th to August 2nd, 2024. Themed 'The Next Frontiers of African Philanthropy,' this conference highlighted a critical moment in the evolving
In Africa's dynamic landscape of trade and agriculture, the partnership between the Graça Machel Trust's Network of African Business Women (NABW) and the Zambian Federation of Associations of Women in Business (ZFAWIB) is making noticeable progress. Established in 1993, ZFAWIB has developed a formidable track record under the visionary leadership of its Chief Executive Officer,
Highlights from the Lead Circle NFNV Mentorship Programme  Our 2017 research, Growth Barriers Faced by Women Entrepreneurs, highlighted a concerning statistic: less than 30% of senior management roles in Sub-Saharan Africa were held by women, despite evidence that gender-diverse leadership teams significantly enhanced profitability and value creation. This disparity underscored an urgent need for initiatives
Insights from Aishatu Debola Aminu: Country Director, New Faces New Voices-Nigeria  New Faces New Voices (NFNV) is a flagship initiative of the Graça Machel Trust committed to enhancing women's presence and impact within the financial sector. The network champions the cause of increasing women's access to finance and financial services to close the economic
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.