We celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our leadership and colleagues who have significantly advanced women's and children's rights.
Leila Akahloun, Senior Advisor to Mrs Graça Machel and B-WEL Fellow for 2023-2024, was named one of the Global Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent under 40 in the Humanitarian Sector. At the Trust, Leila plays the crucial role of supporting Mrs Machel on advocating for women's inclusion and equality issues at regional, continental and global levels, covering, amongst others, women's economic advancement, supporting adolescent girls' on the continent to express and use their innate power effectively and women's participation in the green energy sector and in climate change issues. Her efforts have been instrumental in promoting social change across continents, a testament to her dedication as a catalyst for justice and equity.
Andia Chakava, Investment Director at the Trust and Managing Director of Afrishela, was selected to be part of the Kayana News Women to Watch 2024! Read her article here.
Andia was also featured in Bayes Business School's Alumni Stories and continues to make waves with her influential blog in the gender lens investment sector. Andia's insights bridge significant gaps between women entrepreneurs and financial service providers, fostering substantial progress toward financial inclusion at all levels. Her progress is not just substantial; it is something we can all be proud of and hopeful about in the future. Read the blog here.
Shiphra Chisha, Director of Programmes, was recently honoured as the runner-up in the Social Impact Leader category at the 2024 Future of Leadership Awards. This accolade reminds us of the impactful leadership Shiphra brings to our initiatives, significantly advancing our mission.
Anabahati Mlay, Women Creating Wealth Tanzania Country Lead, was awarded the EmpowerHer Excellence Award in Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion. Anabahati's dedication to promoting women's roles in decision-making and leadership is deeply inspiring. Her personal commitment echoes through the generations of women she has influenced, underscoring the foundational principles of the Graça Machel Trust. Her inspiration is not just deep, it is empowering and motivating for all of us.
We achieve great heights by standing on the shoulders of a giant--our founder, Mrs Graça Machel, whose efforts have been globally continue to be recognised. Recently, Mrs Machel was honored with the African Philanthropy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 5th Annual African Philanthropic Conference in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on July 30, 2024. This award celebrates her enduring contributions as a fighter for liberation and an advocate for women and children in Africa and beyond. Watch a short clip of her speech here.
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In March 2024, she received the Forbes Woman Africa Lifetime Achievement Award in Johannesburg for her lifelong dedication to promoting equitable rights and improving lives, rooted in Mozambique's quest for independence. Additionally, in December 2023, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Washington D.C. awarded her the Democracy Award, acknowledging her significant impact on democracy and human rights. Mrs Machel's journey and the recognition she has received inspire us to continue advancing her mission of building a just and equitable world. Read her NDI acceptance speech here.
The Graça Machel Trust is immensely proud of these leaders whose work honours our founder's legacy and actively forges paths toward a more equitable world.
