Graça Machel is an African stateswoman whose decades long professional and public life is rooted in Mozambique’s struggle for self-rule and international advocacy for women and children’s rights. As a former freedom fighter and Mozambique's first Minister of Education, she has been pivotal in shaping policies and initiatives for social transformation. Mrs. Machel’s ground-breaking UNICEF report on the impact of armed conflict on children revolutionized global responses to conflict zones. She co-founded organizations like The Elders and Girls Not Brides, and holds governance roles in various development bodies. Through her NGOs, including the Graça Machel Trust, she champions women's empowerment, education, and good governance. Her relentless humanitarian work has earned her prestigious awards, including the UN's Nansen Refugee Award and the WHO Gold Medal. Recognized globally, Machel's dedication to improving lives reflects in her numerous accolades and honorary degrees. She continues to inspire hope and strive for a fairer world.