Wangari Muta Maathai
- Born:
- April 1, 1940, Ihithe village, Tetu, Nyeri District, Kenya
- Died:
- September 25, 2011, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nationality:
- Kenyan
- Profession(s):
- Environmentalist, Political Activist, Professor
Early Life and Education
- Received early education at local primary schools.
- Attended Loreto High School, Limuru.
- Awarded a scholarship to study at Mount St. Scholastica College (now Benedictine College) in Atchison, Kansas, earning a bachelor's degree in biology in 1964.
- Earned a master's degree in biological sciences from the University of Pittsburgh in 1966.
- Obtained a Ph.D. in veterinary anatomy from the University of Nairobi in 1971, becoming the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate.
Career and Major Achievements
- Lectured in veterinary anatomy at the University of Nairobi.
- Founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, an environmental organization focused on planting trees, environmental conservation, and women's rights. This movement, initially linked to a local "Wangari Maathai biography family business" initiative of small nurseries, rapidly grew to become a leading force in environmental conservation.
- Elected to the Kenyan Parliament in 2002.
- Appointed Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources (2003-2005).
- Served on the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development.
Notable Works
- The Green Belt Movement: Sharing the Approach and the Experience (1988)
- Unbowed: A Memoir (2006)
- Challenge for Africa (2009)
- Replenishing the Earth: Spiritual Values for Healing Ourselves and the World (2010)
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Right Livelihood Award | 1984 |
| Goldman Environmental Prize | 1991 |
| Nobel Peace Prize | 2004 |
| Legion of Honour | 2006 |
Legacy and Impact
Wangari Maathai is remembered for her tireless work in environmental conservation, women's rights advocacy, and promoting sustainable development. Her Green Belt Movement has planted millions of trees and empowered countless individuals, leaving a lasting legacy on Kenya and the world. She was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.