Mozambique’s Graca Machel Honoured with Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2025 has been awarded to Graca Machel, a renowned human rights activist from Mozambique. The announcement was made by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. She has been honoured for her lifelong efforts to improve education, healthcare, nutrition, women’s empowerment and humanitarian support, especially in difficult and conflict-affected regions.

About the Indira Gandhi Prize

The Indira Gandhi Prize is one of India’s most respected international awards. It recognises individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to peace, development and social justice. The award includes a cash prize of ₹1 crore, a trophy, and a citation.

Why Graca Machel was Chosen?

Graca Machel was selected by an international jury led by former National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon. The jury praised her for her path-breaking work in education, child welfare, humanitarian service and economic empowerment. Her efforts have helped improve the lives of vulnerable people across Africa and beyond.

Early Life and Education

Graca Machel was selected by an international jury led by former National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon. The jury praised her for her path-breaking work in education, child welfare, humanitarian service and economic empowerment. Her efforts have helped improve the lives of vulnerable people across Africa and beyond.

Role in Mozambique’s Freedom Struggle

In 1973, Graca Machel returned to Mozambique and joined FRELIMO, the Mozambican Liberation Front, as a freedom fighter and teacher. After the country gained independence in 1975, she became Mozambique’s first Minister of Education and Culture.

Achievements as Education Minister

As Education Minister, Machel brought major changes to the education system. School enrolment increased rapidly. Primary and secondary education participation rose from around 40% to over 90% for boys and 75% for girls, making education more accessible across the country.

Global Work for Children and Human Rights

In the 1990s, Graca Machel began working at the international level. The United Nations appointed her to lead a major study on how armed conflict affects children. Her 1996 report, “The Impact of Armed Conflict on Children,” changed how the UN and governments protect children in war zones.

International Recognition and Awards

For her global humanitarian work, Machel received the UN Nansen Refugee Award and was made an Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1997. These honours recognised her dedication to peace and human rights.

Leadership in Global Organizations

Graca Machel is a founding member of The Elders, a group of global leaders working for peace and justice. She also helped establish the international NGO Girls Not Brides, which works to end child marriage. She is currently a member of the UN Secretary-General’s SDG Advocacy Group.

Graca Machel Trust and Recent Work

In 2010, she founded the Graca Machel Trust, focusing on women’s economic empowerment, food security and good governance in Africa. Through her organisations and academic leadership, she continues to promote social change and equality.

Personal Life

Graca Machel was married to Samora Machel, the first President of Mozambique, who died in 1986. Later, she married Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, becoming a respected global symbol of leadership, resilience and compassion.

A Global Icon of Peace and Development

By awarding the Indira Gandhi Prize 2025 to Graca Machel, India has honoured a woman whose life’s work stands for peace, justice and human dignity. Her contribution continues to inspire people around the world.