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Human rights defender Josina Z. Machel will visit the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law for a special program on October 1. In collaboration with Saving Orphans through Healthcare and Outreach (SOHO), her lecture will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Daughter of Graça Machel, who is the widow 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. Josina holds a Master of Science 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. In October 2015, Josina was physically assaulted by her then-partner which led to her losing sight in one eye. As a result of this experience, Josina’s activism took on new meaning and she felt propelled to vigorously fight for the rights of abused women, realizing 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.

SOHO is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the lives and life expectancy of orphans and vulnerable children, especially in child-headed households in communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Josina will be honored at SOHO's Hope Rising! Gala on October 2 in Carmel, Indiana.

The lecture at IU McKinney, "An Afternoon with Josina Machel," is free and open to the public, but registration is required. A reception will begin at 11:45 a.m. in the Faculty Lounge (Room 351) at Inlow Hall, and the one-hour long lecture will commence at 12:30 p.m. in Wynne Courtroom on the first floor of the law school.