Graça Machel Trust

“Being a woman is the best gift to humanity, because we can transform, we can change, we can bring a brighter future for everyone.” Our Founder Mama Graça Machel speaking as an honouree at the #DVFAwards2024 this past weekend. The #DVFAwards were founded in 2010 by the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation to recognize women who embody the courage to transform systems and societies and provide leadership that inspires and uplifts others. This prestigious recognition celebrates Mama Machel’s unwavering dedication to activism and her profound impact on creating a brighter future for women and children. She was in great company this year with other honourees: The Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern, Alessandra Kustermann , Reem Hajajreh (Women Of The Sun) & Yael Admi (Women Wage Peace) and Xiye Bastida  “I am incredibly emotional. I have never felt so much energy. Tonight we are celebrating women who are truly extraordinary, magical women. Women who have demonstrated courage, strength, compassion, dignity and leadership,” concluded Diane von Furstenberg.  What a powerful way of concluding #womensmonth in South Africa! Read more about this magical night: https://bit.ly/3z05Agu #DVFAward! Oprah Winfrey #graçamacheltrust Leila Akahloun Wokedje Homawoo #dvfaward2024 #dvf

Throughout history, women have led with courage and vision, standing at the forefront of every crisis. Last week, our leaders took a decisive step towards driving the transformation to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our founder, Mrs Graça Machel, alongside 82 women from across the globe, called upon the U.S. and world leaders to turn the page and accelerate progress on climate change in the lead-up to COP29 Azerbaijan. Renewed hope emerged at the United Nations as global leaders reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the climate crisis, transitioning away from polluting fossil fuels, and supporting a necessary overhaul of the international financial system. While the U.S. has made notable strides in advancing clean energy investments and pushing forward its climate agenda, much more remains to be done to reduce emissions and rebuild global trust in a year marked by unprecedented weather extremes. The U.S. now has a pivotal opportunity to showcase strong leadership in the upcoming international climate negotiations, guided by the vision and ambition for which the country has long been respected. #GraçaMachelTrust Leila Akahloun Wokedje Homawoo

Our Director of Programmes, Shiphra Chisha(M.Inst.D),MBA, had the honour of speaking at the 44th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. During her address, she highlighted the impactful work of our Adolescent Movement for Girls, underscoring the Trust's unwavering commitment to dismantling systemic and structural barriers that hinder the progress of women and girls. In her remarks, Shiphra powerfully stated, "Operating across 18 countries, we hold a firm conviction that Africa's development is inextricably tied to the sustained and equitable participation of women and girls in every facet of society—whether in the social, economic, or policy arenas." Her speech reaffirmed the Trust's belief that true progress is only possible when women and girls are fully supported to contribute at all levels. #GraçaMachelTrust

The Graça Machel Trust attended the BPI Iconic Leadership & Excellence Awards last night to support our board member, Miss Josina Z Machel, as she received the Future Leader Award. This award recognises young professionals and leaders who have demonstrated strong, capable, and highly ethical leadership throughout their careers. It celebrates individuals whose leadership the BPI Foundation views as a benchmark for young people to aspire to in their professional, community, and societal lives, even beyond the age of 50. The former President of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, was one of the speakers and had the honour of presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Her Excellency Zanele Mbeki. It was truly a privilege to witness such deserving individuals being recognised for their impact on Africa and their dedication to uplifting the lives of others. #GraçaMachelTrust Shiphra Chisha(M.Inst.D),MBA Thelma Bamhare

Applications are still open for the next cohort of the Women Creating Wealth Intergenerational Programme! If you're an entrepreneur who meets the criteria, this is your opportunity to join a transformative initiative that supports women to scale their businesses and create lasting impact. Apply now: bit.ly/4duV7sp #GraçaMachelTrust #WomenCreatingWealth

Our Heritage Day celebrations at Leondale in Germiston with our Pan African Adolescent Girls Movement ( the Eagles). Zodwa Latola Naledi Mfolo Thanks to the amazing team at Graça Machel Trust Mother Eagle Shiphra Chisha(M.Inst.D),MBA ✨ Sister Eagles 🌻 Juliet Kimotho Dalreé de Lange

Last week, our WCW Tanzania team held an interactive session with over 100 women entrepreneurs, centred on investor readiness and alternative financing. In partnership with Network of African Business Women Association - TZ, Afrishela, and Warioba Ventures, we delved into Tanzania’s funding landscape, government initiatives, and ways women can access finance. Special thanks to Mr. Charles Shirima, Mr. Gidibo Tindwa, and Daraja Impact Fund for their valuable insights. It was an engaging session, offering practical information to both current participants and alumni of the WCW programme. Interested in joining the WCW programme? Apply now: bit.ly/4duV7sp #WomenCreatingWealth #GraçaMachelTrust Emma Kawawa Jane Mbinya Muia Anabahati Mlay New Faces New Voices

As South Africa’s Heritage Month comes to a close, we reflect on the Heritage Day event held in partnership with our donor, FutureLift Foundation for our Eagles from Ekurhuleni, Katlehong, Leondale, and Soweto. The day was filled with moving presentations, poems, songs, and dances that addressed pressing issues affecting these young girls, such as violence against girls, the importance of tree planting, and the impact of drug abuse – all beautifully expressed through artistic performances. The strength of the Adolescent Girls Movement was also celebrated, highlighting how it supports them to grow into strong, resilient women. Shiphra Chisha(M.Inst.D),MBA Chisha, our Director of Programmes, delivered an inspiring message to the girls, encouraging the Eagles to welcome more sisters into the movement, so they can learn, grow, and lead together. Korkor Cudjoe, our WCW Senior Entrepreneurship Manager, posed a thought-provoking question to the girls, asking how the programme has impacted their lives. Their responses clearly demonstrate the vital role Adol plays in shaping these young women’s futures and setting them on the path to becoming future leaders. #GraçaMachelTrust

Women are the backbone of agriculture and small businesses in Africa, and with access to finance, their ventures can thrive.’ 🌾 At NFNV Uganda, with the support of the Graça Machel Fund, we are committed to ensuring women get the resources they need to grow! #EmpowerHerFinanceUG #WomenInBusiness #WomenInFinance #GracaMachel

The Women Creating Wealth Intergenerational programme, in partnership with Afrishela, our gender lense Investment fund, Advancing Women in Investing (AWI), and Leja hosted an exclusive Investment Ecosystem Mixer in Nairobi, Kenya, last week. The objectives of the mixer were to cultivate an environment for meaningful networking, highlight the impactful work of our partners, support our women entrepreneurs to showcase their products, and promote collaboration. The event featured insightful presentations on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities, complemented by structured networking sessions. Strategic partnerships were formed, Our women entreprenurs visibility was heightened, knowledge was shared, and opportunities for scaling ventures. This event offered an exceptional platform for learning and connection, and we look forward to hosting many more mixers in the future. #GraçaMachelTrust #WomenCreatingWealth Andia Laura Chakava Mercy Gichangi Melissa N. Mwiti Caroline Armstrong Eva Muraya Jane Mbinya Muia Martha Osier Sarah Ngamau Martha Mbugua New Faces New Voices New Faces New Voices Kenya New Faces New Voices Uganda