A towering figure in Kenya, Maathai was renowned as a fearless social activist and an environmental crusader. Her Green Belt Movement, which she founded in 1977, planted tens of millions of trees.
Born-1 April 1940
Ihithe village, Tetu division, Nyeri District, Kenya
Died-25 September 2011 (aged 71)
Education-B.S. Biology,
M.S. Biological Sciences,
Ph.D. Veterinary Anatomy
Occupation-Environmentalist, Political activist
Maathai's death was confirmed in a statement on the movement's website.
"It is with great sadness that the family of Professor Wangari Maathai announces her passing away on 25 September 2011, at the Nairobi hospital, after a prolonged and bravely borne struggle with cancer. Her loved ones were with her at the time."
Maathai was a pioneer from an early age and in many spheres. After winning a scholarship to study in the US, she returned to a newly independent Kenya, becoming the first woman in east and central Africa to obtain a PhD. Maathai was also the first woman professor the University of Nairobi, where she taught veterinary medicine.Read more