Her academic excellence earned her a scholarship to study at the University of Lisbon in Portugal, where she joined the student movement against colonial rule.
When she returned home, she joined the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), the group leading the fight for independence. It was there she met Samora Machel, the future president of Mozambique.
Graça Machel received the 1992 Africa Prize, awarded annually to an individual who has contributed to the goal of eliminating hunger in Africa by the year 2000.
Machel received the 1995 Nansen Medal from the United Nations in recognition of her longstanding humanitarian work, particularly on behalf of refugee children.
In 1997, Machel was appointed an Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions and services in the field of human rights protection. In the same year, she received the Global Citizen Award of the New England Circle.
Did you know that Graca Machel is the only woman in the world to have been the first lady of two countries. Graca Machel married Mozambican revolutionary leader Samora Machel in 1975 – the year Mozambique became free of Portuguese colonial rule, and her husband became president.
She was named the new government's minister of education and culture.
Together, they navigated the complexities of nation-building, with Graça playing an instrumental role in shaping Mozambique’s educational policies.
Tragedy struck in 1986 when Samora Machel died in a plane crash, leaving behind a legacy of liberation and a grieving nation.
In the face of personal loss, Graça demonstrated resilience once again, resigning from her ministerial post to embark on a new chapter of her life.
Her husband died in a mysterious plane crash in 1986. Twelve years later, she married South Africa's president, Nelson Mandela. But being a first lady is not her only claim to fame.
Post a Comment