Graça Machel is a leading social and political activist as well as a renowned international advocate for women’s and children’s rights. Over decades of hard work, concentrated in Mozambique and South Africa but encompassing the whole of the continent, she has fought for increased literacy and access to education, greater assistance for community development, and childrens’ rights.

As Education Minister of Mozambique, Dr Machel lowered the illiteracy rate by 20 percent and oversaw a dramatic increase in primary school enrolment.

Dr Machel produced a ground-breaking United Nations Report on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Children. Her research helped establish a comprehensive agenda for the protection of children in conflict zones.

In 1994, Dr Machel founded the Foundation for Community Development, a grassroots NGO that works to bring together the forces of all sectors of society to promote development, democracy and social justice.

Dr Machel has been married to Nelson Mandela since 1998. The widow of the Mozambican President Samora Machel who died in 1986, Graça Machel's work has redefined the role of First Lady in Africa.

Graça Machel also sits on the board of a number of international organisations including The Elders, The African Leadership Forum and the International Crisis Group. Her outstanding humanitarian contributions have been recognised by a number of awards, including the Laureate of Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger from the Hunger Project, the Nansen Medal for her service to the cause of child refugees, the Africare Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award and the Council of Europe's prestigious North-South Prize.