Wangari Maathai understood before almost anyone that ecology, economy and women's empowerment are one struggle. The Green Belt Movement she founded – which began as a project of the National Council of Women of Kenya – mobilized rural women to plant trees against deforestation and erosion, creating income, food security and dignity in the same act.
The results speak across generations: tens of millions of trees planted, with income opportunities and environmental benefits for hundreds of thousands of women and their communities. She kept working – often fearlessly, against fierce opposition from men in power – for democracy, rights and the environment until her death in 2011. In 2004 she became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Achievements
- Founded the Green Belt Movement – tens of millions of trees planted
- Created income and resilience for hundreds of thousands of Kenyan women
- First African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (2004)
- Lifelong champion of democracy, women's rights and ecological protection
In Planet vs. Patriarchy: Our strength lies in collaboration.