 As the world battles with containing the continued spread of Covid-19 by imposing lockdowns and social distancing, there is a great risk of a further reduction in access to sexual and reproductive health rights services in Africa. The lockdowns and restrictions in movement have resulted in increased reports of domestic violence and disruptions in
 The Covid-19 pandemic has forced millions of children across the world out of the normal school environment as countries try to implement measures to curb the transmission of the novel virus.  More than 160 countries across the world have to date implemented some form of school closure. If not properly handled these closures
Photo Credit: Annie-Spratt-KBpIcWV6o2c-unsplash.jpg  On the 5th of March 2020, South Africans woke up to its first case of COVID-19[1], the global pandemic that many prior to this, had considered foreign. No one could have predicted the rapid local transmission that ensued, just a few weeks later, leaving the nation with over 1000
 We have 10 years to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As we mark the beginning of the new academic calendar, Graça Machel Trust is still committed in ensuring that every child has the possibility to begin his or her life with the best possible foundation that will allow them to reach their
 "Sexual violence and the exploitation of children represents our shortcomings as a society in our responsibility to protect our children,"- Graça Machel.   Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse that all of us must not turn a blind eye on. Sometimes, a child is abused by a person they trust. When
  This year's International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) focused on celebrating the amazing things girls are achieving that prove they are unscripted and unstoppable! In keeping up with the goals and objectives of the Isithunzi initiative-restoring her dignity, the Graça Machel Trust (GMT) team in partnership with the AngelRock Project South Africa
 The concept of âchild marriageâ is a misleading justification of child abuse. Why do we call this harmful practice a marriage? By definition, a marriage according to Mani Shankar is a commitment between two adults with a primary purpose of leading a happy, peaceful and prosperous life amidst all the problems that may come up.
Real men need to have courageous conversations - that will end gender based violence  Real men where are you? Why are you quiet? Who are you waiting for, to safe our women and girls? South Africa is spinning out of control at the moment, our beloved country is making international headlines for
 The Graça Machel Trust prides itself in its mission of nurturing caring societies, that value social justice and the protection of the rights of women and children. It is through this mission that the staff at the Trust saw it fit to host Isithunzi, a social impact initiative aimed at raising young girlsâ awareness
The Graça Machel Trust has been running a Youth Advocates programme. This is a mentorship programme targeting young people from Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia on how to champion Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition, (RMNCAH+N) in their countries. This month, the Trust is excited to welcome on board our newest members joining
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.