Wangari Maathai was an environmentalist, activist, and women’s rights supporter. She studied chemistry and began to take an interest in environmental issues while in the United States, and after continuing her education in several places, she became the first East African woman to earn a doctorate degree. She also became the first female chair of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy in Nairobi and the first female associate professor. As chair of the board of the Environmental Liaison Centre in Kenya, Wangari began to try to connect the environmental and unemployment problems of the country in a way that would help alleviate both. Envirocare Ltd was the first solution, getting those who needed work to plant tree nurseries. Next, Wangari declared World Environment Day and started the Green Belt Movement. Through the Green Belt Movement, she was able to pay women to plant seedlings and fight deforestation and water shortages. Many other African countries formed their own Green Belt programs modeled on the success of Kenya’s. Wangari also worked for the Economic Commission for Africa and after some controversy became vice-chairman of the National Council of Women of Kenya, which she helped focus on environmental issues. She was active in many other organizations in Kenya, especially those specifically for women who shared her passions. Despite much friction from the government and troubles in her personal life, Wangari Maathai worked hard to preserve the environment of her country by planting trees and encouraging good environmental practices, hoping to built a better tomorrow for Kenya and the rest of Africa.
Today, be inspired to…Plant a tree! Or maybe just recycle some paper to save a tree.
Photo credit: takingrootfilm.com
She Made A Difference 