Born: April 1, 1940 (Ihithe, Nyeri District, Kenya)
Died: September 25, 2011 (Nairobi, Kenya)
Biography:
Wangari Maathai, born on April 1, 1940, in the village of Ihithe, Nyeri District, in the central highlands of Kenya, was a Kenyan social, environmental, and political activist. She is best known as the founder of the Green Belt Movement, an environmental non-governmental organization focused on the planting of trees, environmental conservation, and women’s rights.
Maathai’s family belonged to the Kikuyu ethnic group, the most populous ethnic group in Kenya, and had a long history in the area. In 1943, her family moved to a White-owned farm in the Rift Valley, near Nakuru, where her father found employment. However, when she was eight years old, Maathai returned to Ihithe with her mother and brothers. The lack of schooling on the farm prompted this move, with her father remaining behind.
At the age of eight, Maathai joined her brothers at the Ihithe Primary School. Later, at 11, she moved to St. Cecilia’s Intermediate Primary School, a boarding school at the Mathari Catholic Mission in Nyeri. During her four years at St. Cecilia’s, Maathai became fluent in English and converted to Catholicism. She also became involved with the Legion of Mary, a Catholic organization focused on serving fellow human beings.
Maathai’s time at St. Cecilia’s provided her with a sheltered environment, shielding her from the Mau Mau uprising that was taking place at that time. Her mother had to move to an emergency village in Ihithe due to the conflict. Despite the challenging circumstances, Maathai excelled in her studies and graduated as the top student in her class in 1956.
After her graduation, Maathai received a scholarship to study in the United States as part of the Kennedy Airlift program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Mount St. Scholastica and a master’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Pittsburgh. She went on to achieve another significant milestone by becoming the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Nairobi in Kenya.
In 1977, Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement. The organization aimed to address the issues of deforestation, soil erosion, and the devastating consequences of environmental degradation on communities in Kenya. The movement focused on empowering women, recognizing their integral role in environmental conservation, and involving them in sustainable development projects.
Under Maathai’s leadership, the Green Belt Movement mobilized thousands of rural women to plant trees and engage in grassroots activism. The movement also advocated for women’s rights, recognizing the interconnections between environmental sustainability and gender equality. Maathai’s work helped raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and the impacts of deforestation on climate change, food security, and poverty alleviation.
In recognition of her tireless efforts, Maathai received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1984, she was awarded the Right Livelihood Award, also known as the Alternative Nobel Prize, for her role in mobilizing mass action for reforestation in Kenya. In 2004, she became the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The prize was a testament to her visionary leadership, environmental activism, and advocacy for peace, democracy, and human rights.
In addition to her activism, Maathai was also an accomplished academic and author. She wrote several books and articles, contributing significantly to the fields of ecology, development, gender, and African cultures and religions. Her intellectual contributions complemented her activism, further enhancing her influence and impact on society.
Sadly, Maathai passed away on September 25, 2011, due to complications from ovarian cancer. However, her legacy as a trailblazer, environmentalist, and advocate for women’s rights continues to inspire and encourage people around the world. Her remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on women’s history, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
Awards:
– Right Livelihood Award (1984)
– Nobel Peace Prize (2004)