Wangari Muta Maathai, born on April 1, 1940, in Ihithe, Kenya, was a trailblazing environmental activist and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She pursued higher education in the United States of America, earning a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Mount St. Scholastica College in 1964 and a Master of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1966. Maathai continued her academic journey in Kenya, becoming the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Nairobi in 1971. Her early career as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi laid the foundation for her future activism.
Maathai is best known for founding the Green Belt Movement in 1977, an environmental organization focused on tree planting, environmental conservation, and women's rights. Her efforts led to the planting of over 50 million trees in Kenya, significantly contributing to Environmental Sustainability and empowering Rural women by providing them with livelihoods. In recognition of her tireless work, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, becoming the first African woman to receive this honor. Maathai's legacy continues to inspire environmental and human rights activists worldwide.
