The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) recently announced a grant of US$ 130,000 to the Graça Machel Trust.

The trust is a pan-African organisation working for women’s and children’s rights. It is founded and led by the Honorable Graça Machel, former First Lady of South Africa and Mozambique.

“The Graça Machel Trust was started in 2010 to significantly improve the lives of African women and children,” the D.E.F. described in a press release announcing the move. “In addition to running its own programmes, the Trust helps strengthen networks and organisations that help women and children, and drive social and economic change across the continent. As the widow of the late South African Nelson Mandela, Graça Machel has strong roots in social justice, economic development and equal access to education for women and girls.”

D.E.F. co-founder, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., commented: “Graça is a global freedom fighter, international advocate for the rights of women and children, United Nations Icon, and one who continues to give and share her activism, leadership, genius, love, wisdom, and grace.”

“I’ve always seen myself as someone who is here to serve by working with others – never alone,” said Machel.

The D.E.F is currently  preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its foundation. “It was at a meeting at Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel’s home in Maputo, Mozambique, in 2006 with Dr. Chavis and fellow co-founder Russell Simmons, where the idea of the Diamond Empowerment Fund was first contemplated,” the D.E.F. said.

The fund received the support of the global diamond industry. Its mission is to empower people from diamond communities through access to higher e00ducation.  

Anna Martin, D.E.F. president and senior vice-president of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), said, “The Graça Machel Trust is the perfect partner with which to continue our 10-year legacy of giving back to the youth from diamond communities around the world. The Trust’s work is a reminder that “Diamonds Do Good”.” 

Pic Courtesy: Diamond Empowerment Fund