Wangari Maathai (1940–2011) was a Kenyan environmentalist, political activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She is best known for her efforts in environmental conservation, women’s rights, and sustainable development, particularly through the Green Belt Movement, an organization she founded.

Key points about Wangari Maathai’s life and work include:

1. Early Life and Education: Wangari Maathai was born on April 1, 1940, in Nyeri, Kenya. She pursued her education in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mount St. Scholastica College (now Benedictine College) in Atchison, Kansas. She later obtained a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
2. Environmental Activism: Maathai’s environmental activism began in the late 1970s when she founded the Green Belt Movement (GBM). The GBM focused on tree planting, conservation, and women’s rights. It encouraged rural women to plant trees to combat deforestation, soil erosion, and promote sustainable development.
3. Empowerment of Women: Maathai recognized the important role of women in environmental conservation and community development. Through the Green Belt Movement, she empowered women by providing them with environmental education, income-generating activities, and a platform for social and political advocacy.
4. Political Activism: Wangari Maathai was an outspoken critic of government policies that led to environmental degradation and social injustice. Her activism often led to confrontations with political authorities, and she faced harassment and imprisonment for her efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Kenya.
5. Nobel Peace Prize: In 2004, Wangari Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. She was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
6. Later Years: Maathai continued her activism and environmental work until her passing. In addition to her involvement in the Green Belt Movement, she served as an advocate for global environmental issues and social justice.
7. Legacy: Wangari Maathai’s legacy includes her significant contributions to environmental conservation, women’s rights, and grassroots activism. Her work highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, social justice, and human rights. The Green Belt Movement has planted millions of trees and continues to inspire environmental initiatives around the world.

Wangari Maathai passed away on September 25, 2011, but her legacy lives on through the ongoing impact of her work and the organizations she founded.