Wangari Maathai

1 April 1940 – 25 September 2011

Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmental and political activist who founded the Green Belt Movement, promoting tree planting, conservation, and women's rights. In 2004 she became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

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Life events

Born in Nyeri, Kenya
1 April 1940

Wangari Muta Maathai was born in the village of Ihithe in the central highlands of Kenya.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Studied biology in the United States
1960 – 1966

Maathai earned degrees at Mount St. Scholastica College and the University of Pittsburgh.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Earned a doctorate from the University of Nairobi
1971

Maathai became the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a PhD.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Founded the Green Belt Movement
1977

Maathai launched a grassroots tree-planting campaign to combat deforestation and empower women.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Elected to the Kenyan Parliament
2002

Maathai won election as a member of parliament for the Tetu constituency.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed Assistant Minister for Environment
2003

Maathai served in the Kenyan government in the environment and natural resources portfolio.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
2004

Maathai became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development and peace.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Nairobi
25 September 2011

Maathai died of cancer in Nairobi at the age of 71.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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