6. Wangari Maathai (1940-2011)
PHOTOGRAPH BY OLIVIER MORIN, GETTY IMAGES
Born in Kenya, Maathai is internationally recognized for her struggle for democracy, human rights, and environmental conservation. She was the founder of the Green Belt Movement, a tree-planting initiative that focused on reducing poverty and conserving the environment for which she received the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. Maathai was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate and have the title of associate professor. She spoke at the United Nations numerous times on behalf of women and to press for better management of the environment. She was elected to Kenya’s parliament and later became assistant minister for the Environment, Natural Resources, and Wildlife.
