Wangari Maathai, Activist

Wangari Maathai, Activist

Maathai stood up courageously against the former oppressive regime in Kenya. Her unique forms of action have contributed to drawing attention to political oppression—nationally and internationally. She has served as inspiration for many in the fight for democratic rights and has especially encouraged women to better their situation.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee

Maathai, holding a trophy awarded to her by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
 
Wangari Maathai (1940-2011) was an environmental and politicial activist in Kenya. After studying biology in the United States, she returned to Kenya to begin a career that combined environmental and social concerns. Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in Africa and helped to plant over 30 million trees, providing jobs to the unemployed while also preventing soil erosion and securing firewood. She was appointed Assistant Minister in the Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, and in 2004 Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, while continuing to fight for the rights of women, the politically oppressed and the natural environment. Furthermore she was an Honorary Councillor of the World Future Council.

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2001

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Link: Wikipedia

Source: Wangari Maathai. (2012, October 9). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:36, October 12, 2012, from http://bit.ly/RCPHft

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Wangari Maathai, Kenya, Women, Environment, Biology, Trees, Nobel Peace Prize

Kenya