“It's the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference.”
Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, mobilising communities — especially women — to plant over 51 million trees across Kenya. In 2004, she became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, recognised for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. A member of parliament and Assistant Minister for the Environment, she wove together ecology, human rights, and social justice into a single, powerful vision.
Nobel Peace Prize (2004)
Founded the Green Belt Movement (1977)
51 million trees planted across Africa
First African woman Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Kenyan Member of Parliament (2002-2007)
Personalities whose journeys echo this archive
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