Reflecting on what it took for Africans to be free and what it means to be free as an African today
Barbados recently commemorated the UN International Day of the Slave Trade and its Abolition and Prime Minister HE Mia Mottley invited Mama Machel to be part the country's reflection on this. Watch the incredible fire side chat Mama's journey as an activist, freedom fighter and global advocate for women, children, education and much more, followed by a moving speech from Prime Minister Mia Mottley here. The chat starts at 00:37:30
Championing women in agribusiness at Datagrow conference
Mama Graça Machel addressed hundreds of agricultural professionals during the Brazil Datagrow Agribusiness Conference which took place on 3rd July 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She spoke about the crucial role of women in agribusiness, "We must tap into the untapped potential of women and youth as drivers of climate resilience. Women are often at the forefront of adopting sustainable agricultural practices, crucial for climate-smart responses to climate change." Read the full speech here.
Women leaders advocate for clean cooking at climate summit
During the Clean Cooking in Africa Summit in May 2024 - Paris, Mama Graça Machel joined prominent women leaders to spotlight the significance of clean cooking in climate action and women's advancement. Alongside figures like H.E. Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders Foundation and other leaders, Mama Machel highlighted the critical role African women in energy transitions. She said, "In planning a just energy transition, it is crucial to involve women not only as energy consumers but as investors, service providers, and educators who drive the transition." If you missed the session, watch it here: Watch the video
Graça Machel discusses peace and human dignity at Vatican meeting
Mama Graça Machel participated in the second World Meeting on Human Fraternity at the Vatican alongside human rights activists and Nobel Laureates. They discussed initiatives to strengthen global solidarity and peace during their audience with Pope Francis. Mama Machel highlighted women's and children's challenges, emphasising, "Let us embrace our common humanity and ensure a peaceful world for future generations." The meeting, organised by the Vatican's Fratelli Tutti Foundation from the 10th to 11th May 2024, Vatican City, Rome. Read Pope Francis' full address here.
Graça Machel joins Michelle Obama, Melinda French Gates, and Amal Clooney to advocate for ending child marriage and advancing adolescent girls
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In November 2023, Mama Graça Machel joined Michelle Obama, Melinda French Gates, and Amal Clooney in Cape Town, South Africa to address the pressing issues of child marriage and the advancement of adolescent girls in Africa. At the gathering, Michelle Obama highlighted the transformative power of education in ending child marriage. Melinda French Gates advocated for comprehensive strategies focusing on investing in women and girls, stressing the importance of an inclusive approach. Amal Clooney called for global legal cooperation to enforce measures against child marriage.
As a global champion of Girls not Brides, Mama Graça Machel discussed the broader social and economic impacts of gender inequity, urging a collective commitment to recognise and support the potential of young girls. She said, "A girl is a full human being with dreams and the right to make life choices. To address child marriage, we must see girls as individuals, not as commodities." Read the press release here.
