Wangari Maathai (1940–2011) was a Kenyan environmental and political activist, and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She is best known for founding the Green Belt Movement in 1977, an environmental organization focused on tree planting, environmental conservation, and women’s empowerment. The movement not only aimed to combat deforestation and soil erosion in Kenya but also provided women with a means of economic and social empowerment. Maathai’s work emphasized the importance of the environment in fostering peace, as she believed that a healthy environment was essential for both the well-being of communities and sustainable development.
Maathai’s advocacy extended beyond environmental issues, as she became a leading voice in promoting human rights, democracy, and gender equality. She faced considerable political opposition, particularly from the Kenyan government, but continued her activism, eventually becoming a member of the Kenyan parliament and serving as the assistant minister for the environment. Her tireless dedication to the environment and social justice earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, in recognition of her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. Maathai’s legacy continues to inspire global efforts in environmental conservation, women’s rights, and social change.