Josina Machel

Ms. Josina Machel is a long standing human rights defender. As the daughter of Graça and Samora Machel, and step daughter of Nelson Mandela, she was born into a legacy of activism, and is fiercely passionate in her life’s calling to advance women’s rights.

In October 2015, Ms. Machel was physically assaulted by her then-partner which led to her tragically losing sight in one eye. As a result of this horrific experience, Ms. Machel’s activism took on new meaning and she felt propelled to vigorously fight for the rights of abused women, realising that there are many like her who have faced brutality without being able to speak out. As a survivor of domestic violence, she is turning her personal trauma into purpose. Through the Kuhluka Movement, Ms. Machel is helping to accelerate social change in communities across Africa.

Ms. Machel serves on a number of international boards, including those of the Graça Machel Trust, the ABC Atlas Mara in Mozambique, the Emerald Group, and the Zizile Institute for Child Development. She also serves as director at the Samora Machel Documentation Centre. In 2015 she started a dance movement to contribute to Nelson Mandela Day with 67 minutes of Dance for Mandela.

Ms. Machel holds an MSc degree in Sociology (Gender) from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Bachelor of Social Science in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Cape Town. She is a published author and has addressed numerous national and international audiences on issues relating to youth, gender, and culture.