Graca Machel

Graça Machel was born in Mozambique in 1945. A teacher, human rights activist, international advocate for women’s and children’s rights, and politician, she was – from 1975 until his death in 1986 –to Samora Machel, the first president of Mozambique. In July 1998 she married Nelson Mandela, and subsequently wrote the prologue to Dare Not Linger, the book focusing on the life of her husband. Among numerous awards she has received the United Nations’ Nansen Medal in recognition of her long-standing humanitarian work, particularly on behalf of refugee children.