Wangarĩ Muta Maathai was a force of nature—both in her relentless activism and in her commitment to restoring the environment. Born in 1940 in Nyeri, Kenya, she grew up surrounded by lush greenery, which deeply influenced her passion for environmental preservation. She pursued higher education, becoming the first East African woman to earn a PhD, specializing in Veterinary Anatomy.
In 1977, she founded the Green Belt Movement, a grassroots initiative that empowered women to plant trees in deforested areas to combat soil erosion, improve water sources, and create jobs. This movement was revolutionary—it was not just about trees, but also about women’s rights, political activism, and economic empowerment.
Despite facing political persecution, arrests, and violence, she never wavered in her mission. She fought against illegal land grabs, deforestation, and government corruption, often putting her own safety at risk. Her activism led to the planting of over 50 million trees across Africa, restoring landscapes and providing communities with sustainable livelihoods.
Her incredible work earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, making her the first African woman to receive the honour. She proved that environmental conservation is deeply tied to social justice and peace.