Wangari Muta Maathai

Born:

April 1, 1940, Ihithe village, Tetu, Nyeri District, Kenya

Died:

September 25, 2011, Nairobi, Kenya

Nationality:

Kenyan

Profession(s):

Environmentalist, Political Activist, Professor, Author

Early Life and Education

• Received early education at local primary schools.
• Attended Loreto High School, Limuru.
• Awarded a scholarship to study in the United States as part of the Kennedy Airlift.
• Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Mount St. Scholastica College (Benedictine College) in Atchison, Kansas (1964).
• Obtained a Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh (1966).
• Pursued doctoral studies in veterinary anatomy at the University of Nairobi, becoming the first woman in East Africa to earn a Ph.D. (1971).

Career and Major Achievements

• Served as a Senior Lecturer in veterinary anatomy at the University of Nairobi.
• Became the first woman to chair a department at the University of Nairobi (Department of Veterinary Anatomy).
• Founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977.
• Elected to the Kenyan Parliament in 2002.
• Appointed Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources (2003-2005).
• Actively campaigned for environmental conservation, sustainable development, and women's rights.
• Fought against deforestation and land degradation.

Notable Works

• The Green Belt Movement: A pioneering environmental organization that has planted over 51 million trees in Kenya.
• Unbowed: A Memoir: An autobiographical account of Wangari Maathai's life and work, which provides valuable insight into her experiences. While not titled 'wangari maathai autobiography of benjamin moore', it serves as her personal narrative.
• The Challenge for Africa
• Replenishing the Earth: Spiritual Values for Healing Ourselves and the World

Legacy and Impact

Wangari Maathai left an enduring legacy as a champion for environmental conservation, women's rights, and democratic governance in Africa. Her work with the Green Belt Movement transformed landscapes and empowered communities, while her activism inspired countless individuals to take action for a more sustainable and equitable world.

Awards and Recognition

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