Mozambican Activist Graca Machel Conferred with Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2025

Global Humanitarian Graca Machel Conferred with Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Graca Machel , the esteemed Mozambican human rights advocate, has been awarded the  Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2025 . The announcement was made by the  Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust , honouring her exceptional lifetime dedication to  education, child welfare, women’s empowerment, humanitarian action, and the pursuit of social justice  on a global scale.

Prestige of the Indira Gandhi Prize
The Indira Gandhi Prize stands as one of India’s most prestigious international awards, conferred upon individuals or organizations for outstanding contributions to  peace, development, and a more equitable world . The award comprises a  cash prize of ₹1 crore , a trophy, and a citation.

A Lifetime of Advocacy and Leadership
Machel’s selection by an international jury, chaired by former National Security Adviser  Shivshankar Menon , recognises her transformative impact. Her journey began as a  teacher and freedom fighter  with  FRELIMO (Mozambique Liberation Front) . Following independence in 1975, she made history as  Mozambique’s first Minister of Education and Culture , where her policies dramatically increased school enrolment rates, especially for girls.

Influence on the Global Stage
Her humanitarian influence expanded internationally in the 1990s. Appointed by the United Nations, she authored the groundbreaking  1996 report “The Impact of Armed Conflict on Children,”  which reshaped global policies on child protection in war zones. A  founding member of The Elders , co-founder of  Girls Not Brides , and a member of the  UN Secretary-General’s SDG Advocacy Group , Machel has been a formidable force for change. She continues her work through the  Graca Machel Trust , which focuses on women’s economic empowerment and food security in Africa.

A Symbol of Resilience and Compassion
Machel’s personal narrative, as the widow of Mozambique’s first President  Samora Machel  and later the wife of South African President  Nelson Mandela , underscores her unique position as a global symbol of  resilience, leadership, and compassionate activism .

Exam-Focused Important Facts:

• Award:   Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2025 .

• Recipient:   Graca Machel , Mozambican human rights activist and former Education Minister.

• Key Achievement:  Authored the seminal  UN Report on "The Impact of Armed Conflict on Children" (1996) .

• Historic Role:  Served as  Mozambique's first Minister of Education and Culture  post-independence.

• Global Roles:   Founding member of The Elders , advocate for  Girls Not Brides , and UN SDG Advocate.

• Award Value:  Includes a  cash prize of ₹1 crore .