Graça Machel

Graça Machel

Name	Graça Machel
Birth name
Birth date	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	Incadine, Gaza Province, Portuguese East Africa (now Mozambique)
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Humanitarian, politician
Years active
Organization
Known for	Advocacy for children's rights and women's rights
Notable works
Spouse(s)	Samora Machel (1975–1986), Nelson Mandela (1998–2013)
Website

Graça Machel (born 17 October 1945) is a renowned Mozambican politician and humanitarian, known for her extensive work in advocating for children's and women's rights. She is the only woman in modern history to have served as the First Lady of two different countries, Mozambique and South Africa.

Early Life and Education

Graça Simbine was born in Incadine, Gaza Province, in what was then Portuguese East Africa. She was the youngest of six children. Her father, a Methodist minister, passed away three weeks before her birth. Despite the challenges, her mother ensured that Graça received a good education. She attended Methodist mission schools before winning a scholarship to the University of Lisbon in Portugal, where she studied languages.

Political Career

Upon returning to Mozambique, Graça joined the Mozambican Liberation Front (FRELIMO) in the struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule. After Mozambique gained independence in 1975, she was appointed as the country's first Minister of Education and Culture. During her tenure, she focused on increasing literacy rates and expanding educational opportunities, particularly for women and children.

Humanitarian Work

Graça Machel is internationally recognized for her advocacy work. She has been a prominent voice in the fight against poverty and for the rights of women and children. In 1994, she was appointed by the United Nations to produce a report on the impact of armed conflict on children, which led to the landmark "Machel Report." This report highlighted the devastating effects of war on children and called for international action to protect them.

Personal Life

Graça Machel was married to Samora Machel, the first President of Mozambique, until his death in a plane crash in 1986. In 1998, she married Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, becoming the First Lady of South Africa until Mandela's presidency ended in 1999. Her marriage to Mandela brought her into the global spotlight, further amplifying her advocacy work.

Legacy and Honors

Graça Machel has received numerous awards and honors for her humanitarian work, including honorary doctorates from several universities. She continues to be an influential figure in global discussions on human rights, education, and development.

Also see

• Nelson Mandela
• Samora Machel
• FRELIMO
• Mozambique
• Children's rights
• Women's rights