1.

0 BACKGROUND
“Wangari Maathai (1940-2011) was the founder of the Green Belt Movement and the
2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. She authored four books: The Green Belt
Movement; Unbowed: A Memoir; The Challenge for Africa; and Replenishing the
Earth. As well as having been featured in a number of books, she and the Green Belt
Movement were the subject of a documentary film, Taking Root: the Vision of
Wangari Maathai” (Cstraight Media - http://www.cstraight.com, n.d.)

Wangari Muta Maathai was born in Nyeri, Kenya (Africa) in 1st April 1940
(The Nobel Peace Prize 2004, n.d.). Her homeland was established by the British as
the East Africa Protectorate in 1985 and then became the Kenya Colony in 1920 ; the
independent Republic of Kenya emerged in 1964 after gaining internal self-
government the prior year (“Wangari Maathai,” n.d.). She was born to Muta Njugi
and Lydia Kibicho. Wangari Maathai's parents were both Kikuyu farmers from Nyeri,
a town in central Kenya. Maathai was the third of six children and grew up in a large,
close-knit family. In her autobiography "Unbowed", Maathai describes her childhood
as idyllic but also notes the challenges of growing up in a country under British
colonial rule (“Wangari Maathai,” n.d.). She witnessed firsthand the injustices of the
colonial system and the struggles of the Kenyan people to gain independence
(“Wangari Maathai,” n.d.). Maathai's childhood experiences and family values played
an important role in shaping her worldview and inspiring her to become an advocate
for democracy, human rights, and environmental conservation in Kenya and beyond.

Maathai was educated in the United States at Mount St. Scholastica College
(now Benedictine College; B.S. in biology, 1964) and at the University of Pittsburgh
(M.S., 1966). In 1971 she received a Ph.D. at the University of Nairobi, effectively
becoming the first woman in either East or Central Africa to earn a doctorate. She
began teaching in the Department of Veterinary Anatomy at the University of Nairobi
after graduation, and in 1977 she became chair of the department (The Editors of
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2004). Her education and academic career provided her
with a strong foundation in science and research, which she later used to inform her
work as an environmental and political activist.
 While working with the National Council of Women of Kenya, Maathai
developed the idea that village women could improve the environment by planting
trees to provide a fuel source and to slow the processes of deforestation and
desertification (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2004). In 1977, she
launched the Green Belt Movement to reforest her beloved country while helping the
nation's women. "Women needed income and they needed resources because theirs
were being depleted," Maathai explained to People magazine. "So we decided to solve
both problems together." (Wangari Maathai, 2023). “The Green Belt Movement, an
organization she founded in 1977, had by the early 21st century planted some 30
million trees. Leaders of the Green Belt Movement established the Pan African Green
Belt Network in 1986 in order to educate world leaders about conservation and
environmental improvement. As a result of the movement’s activism, similar
initiatives were begun in other African countries, including Tanzania, Ethiopia, and
Zimbabwe” (The Nobel Peace Prize 2004, n.d.). In addition to her conservation work,
Maathai was also an advocate for human rights, AIDS prevention, and women’s
issues, and she frequently represented these concerns at meetings of the United
Nations General Assembly (Wangari Maathai, the Woman of Trees, Dies, 2012). She
was elected to Kenya’s National Assembly in 2002 with 98 percent of the vote, and in
2003 she was appointed assistant minister of environment, natural resources, and
wildlife (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2004).

Wangari Maathai received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her

life for her work in environmental conservation, sustainable development, democracy,
and peace. Some of the most notable awards and recognitions are:

1. Nobel Peace Prize: In 2004, Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her
contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. She was the first
African woman to receive this honor (The Nobel Peace Prize 2004, n.d.-b).
2. Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development: In 2006, Maathai
received this award for her outstanding contributions to environmental
conservation and community development (Wikipedia contributors, 2023).
3. Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH): In 2003, Maathai was awarded this honor by
the Kenyan government in recognition of her outstanding service to the nation
(Wikipedia contributors, 2023).
4. The Edinburgh Medal: In 2010, Maathai received this award for her contribution
to science, engineering, and technology in the service of humanity (Wangari
Maathai, the Woman of Trees, Dies, 2012).
5. The Order of the Rising Sun: In 2009, the Japanese government awarded Maathai
with this honor for her contributions to environmental protection and women's
rights (Wikipedia contributors, 2023).
6. Time Magazine's 100 most influential people: Maathai was named one of the 100
most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2005 (Cstraight Media
- http://www.cstraight.com, n.d.).

2.0 PERSONALITY AND CHARACTERISTICS

Wangari Maathai was widely regarded as a strong, courageous, and determined
individual who was deeply committed to social and environmental justice. Some of
the key personality traits and characteristics that have been attributed to Maathai
include:

Courage :
Maathai demonstrated tremendous courage throughout her life, standing up for her
beliefs and fighting for justice, even in the face of opposition and danger. She serves
as a reminder that we must be willing to stand up for what we believe in, even when it
is difficult or risky. Wangari Maathai is considered courageous for several reasons.
One of the most notable examples of her courage was her leadership of the Green Belt
Movement, which was a grassroots environmental organization that advocated for the
planting of trees and the preservation of natural resources in Kenya. The movement
was often met with opposition from the Kenyan government, which viewed it as a
threat to their authority. Despite this opposition, Maathai continued to advocate for
environmental conservation and sustainable development, even in the face of violence
and intimidation. She was arrested and jailed several times for her activism, and even
faced death threats. However, she refused to be deterred, and continued to speak out
against corruption and environmental degradation, and to advocate for the rights of
women and marginalized communities. Maathai's courage also extended to her
political activism. She was a vocal critic of the authoritarian government in Kenya
and was a key figure in the pro-democracy movement in the 1990s. She faced
numerous challenges and setbacks in her efforts to bring about political change, but
she never gave up, and continued to advocate for human rights, democracy, and social
justice throughout her life. Overall, Wangari Maathai's courage is a testament to her
steadfast commitment to her principles, even in the face of significant opposition and
danger. Her example serves as an inspiration to all those who aspire to make a
difference in the world, and to stand up for what they believe in, even when it is
difficult or risky.

Preservance :
Maathai's persistence in pursuing her goals, despite many setbacks and obstacles, is
an inspiration to all of us. Her example shows that with hard work and determination,
we can achieve our objectives and make a difference in the world. Wangari Maathai is
considered to be a symbol of perseverance due to her relentless pursuit of her goals
despite numerous obstacles and challenges. Throughout her life, she faced opposition
from various groups, including the Kenyan government and multinational
corporations, who viewed her environmental activism and human rights advocacy as a
threat to their interests. Despite this opposition, Maathai remained committed to her
cause and continued to work tirelessly to make a positive difference in her community
and beyond. One of her most notable achievements was the founding of the Green
Belt Movement, which focused on promoting environmental conservation and
women's empowerment in Kenya. The Green Belt Movement faced many challenges
in its early years, including a lack of funding, opposition from the government, and
resistance from local communities who were skeptical of the movement's goals.
However, Maathai persisted in her efforts, mobilizing volunteers to plant trees and
providing training and resources to local communities. Over time, the Green Belt
Movement grew in size and influence, and Maathai's perseverance paid off. Her
efforts led to the planting of millions of trees in Kenya, the empowerment of countless
women through environmental and social initiatives, and the spread of sustainable
development practices throughout the region. Overall, Wangari Maathai's
perseverance is an inspiration to all those who face obstacles and challenges in their
lives. Her example shows that with determination, hard work, and a clear vision, it is
possible to make a positive difference in the world, even in the face of significant
opposition and adversity.
Compassion :
Maathai's deep concern for others, particularly those who were vulnerable or
marginalized, serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and kindness. Her
example shows us that we must look beyond our own self-interest and work to make
the world a better place for everyone. Wangari Maathai is widely regarded as a
compassionate figure due to her deep concern for the well-being of others,
particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Throughout her life, she
worked tirelessly to promote social justice, human rights, and environmental
sustainability, with a focus on improving the lives of women and children in Kenya
and beyond. One of Maathai's most notable achievements in this regard was the
founding of the Green Belt Movement, which aimed to promote environmental
conservation and sustainable development in Kenya. The movement focused on
planting trees and providing training and resources to local communities, with a
particular emphasis on empowering women and improving their economic and social
status. Maathai was also a vocal advocate for human rights and democracy, speaking
out against corruption, repression, and authoritarianism in Kenya and other countries.
Her compassion for others was evident in her efforts to promote social justice and
equality, and to give voice to the concerns and aspirations of those who are often
marginalized or oppressed. Overall, Wangari Maathai's compassion is an inspiration
to all those who seek to make a positive difference in the world. Her example shows
that a deep concern for the well-being of others can drive us to take action and make a
meaningful impact, even in the face of significant challenges and obstacles.

Vision :
Maathai had a clear vision of a more sustainable and just future for Kenya and the
world, and worked tirelessly to bring that vision to fruition. Her example teaches us
the importance of having a clear purpose and a long-term vision for our lives and
work. Wangari Maathai is considered a visionary for her ability to see the potential
for positive change in her community and beyond, and for her commitment to turning
that vision into a reality. Throughout her life, Maathai was driven by a clear and
compelling vision of a more just, sustainable, and equitable world, and worked
tirelessly to make that vision a reality. One of Maathai's most notable achievements
was the founding of the Green Belt Movement, which focused on promoting
environmental conservation and sustainable development in Kenya. The movement
grew out of Maathai's vision of a Kenya with more trees, healthier ecosystems, and
more empowered women. Her work with the Green Belt Movement helped to plant
millions of trees, empower women, and promote sustainable development practices in
Kenya and beyond. Maathai was also a visionary in her advocacy for social justice
and human rights, speaking out against corruption, repression, and authoritarianism in
Kenya and other countries. She believed in the power of democracy and the potential
for people to come together to create positive change, and worked tirelessly to
promote these values throughout her life. Overall, Wangari Maathai's vision is an
inspiration to all those who seek to create positive change in the world. Her example
shows that a clear and compelling vision, combined with hard work, determination,
and a commitment to social justice, can be a powerful force for good, even in the face
of significant challenges and obstacles.

Innovation :
Maathai was a creative and innovative thinker, always looking for new and better
ways to address the complex challenges facing her community and the world. Her
example shows us the importance of being open to new ideas and approaches, and of
continually pushing ourselves to think outside the box. Wangari Maathai is considered
an innovator for her ability to think outside the box and come up with creative
solutions to complex problems. Throughout her life, she was known for her
willingness to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and challenge conventional
thinking in her pursuit of positive change. One of Maathai's most notable innovations
was the founding of the Green Belt Movement, which focused on promoting
environmental conservation and sustainable development in Kenya. The movement
grew out of Maathai's vision of a Kenya with more trees, healthier ecosystems, and
more empowered women, and relied on a variety of innovative approaches to achieve
these goals. One of the key innovations of the Green Belt Movement was its focus on
mobilizing local communities to plant and care for trees. This approach not only
helped to combat deforestation and promote sustainable land use, but also provided an
economic boost to local communities, as the trees provided a source of timber and
other products. Maathai was also an innovator in her advocacy for social justice and
human rights, developing new approaches to empower women and promote
democracy and transparency in Kenya and other countries. Her advocacy work often
involved challenging established power structures and coming up with new and
creative ways to give voice to the concerns and aspirations of marginalized
communities. Overall, Wangari Maathai's innovative spirit is an inspiration to all
those who seek to make a positive difference in the world. Her example shows that a
willingness to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and challenge conventional
thinking can be a powerful force for good, and can lead to new and innovative
approaches to solving complex problems.
 REFERENCE

Cstraight Media - http://www.cstraight.com. (n.d.). Wangari Maathai | The Green

Belt Movement. https://www.greenbeltmovement.org/wangari-maathai
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2004, December 17). Wangari Maathai |
Biography, Nobel Peace Prize, Books, Green Belt Movement, & Facts.
Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wangari-
Maathai
The Nobel Peace Prize 2004. (n.d.-a). NobelPrize.org.
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2004/maathai/biographical/
The Nobel Peace Prize 2004. (n.d.-b). NobelPrize.org.
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2004/maathai/facts/#:~:text=She
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https://www.biography.com/activist/wangari-maathai
Wangari Maathai, the woman of trees, dies. (2012, September 20). Africa Renewal.
https://www.un.org/africarenewal/web-features/wangari-maathai-woman-
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Wikipedia contributors. (2023, February 18). Wangari Maathai. Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wangari_Maathai