Biography
Wangarĩ Maathai was a famous Kenyan political activist and environmental. She was born on April 1, 1940, in Ihithe, Tetu, Kenya. She died on 25 September 2011 at the age of 71 in Nairobi, Kenya. She completed her education at the University of Nairobi (PhD), the University of Pittsburgh (MS), Benedictine College (BS), and the University of Giessen. She is best known for her Green Belt Movement worldwide.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wangarĩ Muta Maathai |
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Ihithe, Tetu, Kenya |
| Date of Death | September 25, 2011 |
| Place of Death | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Alma Mater | University of Nairobi (PhD), University of Pittsburgh (MS), Benedictine College (BS), University of Giessen |
| Occupation | Environmentalist, Political Activist, Writer |
| Known For | Founding the Green Belt Movement, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate |
| Awards | Right Livelihood Award (1984), Nobel Peace Prize (2004), Indira Gandhi Peace Prize (2006) |
| Notable Achievements | First African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Founder of the Green Belt Movement |
| Children | Wanjira Mathai |
Wangari Maathai Awards
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Right Livelihood Award |
| 1986 | Better World Society |
| 1987 | Global 500 Roll of Honour |
| 1991 | Goldman Environmental Prize |
| 1991 | The Hunger Project’s Africa Prize for Leadership |
| 1993 | Edinburgh Medal (for “Outstanding contribution to Humanity through Science”) |
| 1993 | Jane Addams Leadership Award |
| 1993 | Benedictine College Offeramus Medal |
| 1994 | The Golden Ark Award |
| 2001 | The Juliet Hollister Award |
| 2003 | Global Environment Award, World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations |
| 2004 | Conservation Scientist Award from Columbia University |
| 2004 | J. Sterling Morton Award |
| 2004 | Petra Kelly Prize |
| 2004 | Sophie Prize |
| 2004 | Nobel Peace Prize |
| 2006 | Légion d’honneur |
| 2006 | Doctor of Public Service (honorary degree), University of Pittsburgh |
| 2007 | World Citizenship Award |
| 2007 | Livingstone Medal from Royal Scottish Geographical Society |
| 2007 | Indira Gandhi Prize |
| 2007 | Cross of the Order of St. Benedict |
| 2008 | The Elizabeth Blackwell Award from Hobart and William Smith Colleges |
| 2009 | NAACP Image Award – Chairman’s Award (with Al Gore) |
| 2009 | Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun of Japan |
| 2011 | The Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal awarded by Vanderbilt University |
| 2013 | Doctor of Science (honorary degree), Syracuse University, New York |
| 2020 | The Perfect World Award by The Perfect World Foundation |
Wangari Maathai Books
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| The Green Belt Movement: sharing the approach and the experience | 1985 |
| Unbowed: A Memoir | 2006 |
| The Challenge for Africa | 2009 |
| Replenishing the Earth: Spiritual Values for Healing Ourselves and the World | 2010 |
| Moral Ground: Ethical Action for a Planet in Peril | 2010 |
| The bottom is heavy too: even with the Green Belt Movement : the Fifth Edinburgh Medal Address | 1994 |
FAQs about Wangari Maathai Biography
What is the full name of Wangari Maathai?
The full name of Wangari is Wangarĩ Muta Maathai.
What is the Profession of Wangari Maathai?
Wangari Maathai was an environmentalist, political activist, and writer.
What is the age of Wangari Maathai?
Wangari Maathai passed away at the age of 71 on September 25, 2011.
Who is Wangari Maathai’s spouse?
Wangari Maathai was married to Mwangi Mathai.
Who are Wangari Maathai’s Parents?
The parent’s information of Wangari Maathai is not available.
Who are Wangari Maathai’s siblings?
The sibling’s information about Wangari Maathai is not available.
What is the net worth of Wangari Maathai?
Wangari Maathai’s net worth is not available.
What is the education of Wangari Maathai?
Wangari Maathai earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mount St. Scholastica College, a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. from the University of Nairobi.
What are the major awards Wangari Maathai received?
Wangari Maathai received several awards, including the Right Livelihood Award in 1984, the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, and the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize in 2006.
