Quck answer

Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmental and political activist. She is best known for her work in promoting sustainable development, democracy, and women’s rights in Kenya. Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, an environmental organization that focuses on tree planting and conservation. She also became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her efforts in promoting environmental conservation and social justice. Through her activism, Maathai left a lasting impact on both the environmental movement and women’s empowerment in Kenya and beyond.

---

Are you familiar with Rachel Carson? What about Greta Thunberg? Maybe you’ve come across the names John Muir or Henry David Thoreau. These are all famous environmentalists. In today’s Wonder of the Day, we’ll be talking about another person on that list—Wangari Maathai.

Wangari Maathai was born in 1940 in a small village in Kenya. It was uncommon for girls in that area to receive an education. However, her family made the decision to send her to school. Maathai was an exceptional student. Not only did she complete high school, but she also went on to college. In 1971, she earned her PhD in veterinary anatomy.

Dr. Maathai was the first woman from East Africa to hold a PhD. She was also the first woman to become a professor in the region. Soon, Dr. Maathai began searching for ways to support other women in Kenya and to address environmental concerns.

Dr. Maathai recognized that deforestation was a significant issue in Kenya. Many of the country’s forests had been destroyed, particularly impacting rural communities. The absence of trees resulted in limited access to water and decreased food security. People had to travel much farther to find wood for their household needs. Unfortunately, government leaders largely ignored the plight of these economically disadvantaged individuals.

With the support of the National Council of Women of Kenya (NCWK), Dr. Maathai worked towards finding a solution. She founded the Green Belt Movement (GBM), which focused on helping women in their communities grow and plant trees. The GBM also provided civic and environmental education.

Through her work, Dr. Maathai provided Kenyan women with opportunities to earn income by planting trees in their areas. Those who participated in the GBM also became leaders in their communities and advocated for better democratic practices in the country. This ultimately led to increased protection for the forests. Dr. Maathai had successfully supported Kenyan women while also replenishing the nation’s tree population.

In 2002, Dr. Maathai was elected to Kenya’s Parliament, receiving 98 percent of the vote. In 2004, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Sadly, she passed away in 2011 due to ovarian cancer. Today, Dr. Wangari Maathai is remembered as one of the most influential environmentalists in history.

The GBM continues to promote a greener world, having assisted over 30,000 women in planting more than 40 million trees. Many individuals today continue to honor Dr. Maathai through their efforts to protect and care for the planet. How can you contribute to the fight against deforestation? Discuss with a trusted adult to explore what you can do today.

Try It Out

Find an adult who can assist you in engaging with the activities below to further your learning:

Protecting the Environment: Making a Difference

When it comes to protecting the environment, it can sometimes feel like a daunting task. It’s easy to question whether our efforts are truly making a difference. However, Dr. Maathai had an interesting perspective on this. She asked, “Do you want to be a hummingbird?” This question encourages us to take action, no matter how small, because even the smallest efforts can have an impact.

So, what steps can you take to protect the environment? Take some time to discuss this with a friend or family member. Together, brainstorm ideas and come up with practical ways to make a difference in your everyday lives.

Discovering Kenya: Spreading Knowledge

One way to raise awareness about the environment is by learning more about different countries and their efforts in conservation. Start by exploring the nation of Kenya. Once you’ve gathered some interesting facts, create a poster either on paper or online to educate others about this country. Include the ten most fascinating facts you’ve learned to capture people’s attention and inspire them to learn more.

Fighting Deforestation: Taking Care of the Earth

Dr. Wangari Maathai dedicated a significant part of her life to fighting against deforestation. But why is it so crucial to take care of the Earth? Reflect on this question and consider the actions you take each day to protect the environment. Make a list of these actions and discuss them with a friend or family member. Together, explore additional ways in which individuals can contribute to the preservation of our planet.

Wonder Sources

• https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2004/maathai/biographical/ (accessed 19 Aug. 2020)
• https://www.biography.com/activist/wangari-maathai (accessed 19 Aug. 2020)
• https://nobelwomensinitiative.org/laureate/wangari-maathai/ (accessed 19 Aug. 2020)
• http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/who-we-are/our-history (accessed 19 Aug. 2020)