Journey through 71 years of courage, activism, and transformation
1940 — 2011
Wangari Muta is born on April 1 in Ihithe village, Nyeri District, in the highlands of Kenya. She grows up surrounded by lush forests and fertile farmland, developing a deep connection with nature.
Attends Ihithe Primary School, becoming one of the few girls in her village given the opportunity for formal education. Her mother's encouragement plays a crucial role.
Continues her education at a Catholic boarding school, excelling academically and developing leadership skills.
Completes her secondary education at one of Kenya's most prestigious girls' schools, preparing her for university studies.
Receives scholarship through the Kennedy Airlift program to study in the United States. Enrolls at Mount St. Scholastica College (now Benedictine College) in Kansas.
Graduates with a degree in biology. Continues graduate studies at University of Pittsburgh, earning Master's degree in biological sciences (1966).
Returns home to newly independent Kenya. Begins work as research assistant at University College of Nairobi School of Veterinary Medicine.
Marries politician Mwangi Mathai. Takes his surname, becoming Wangari Maathai. They have three children together.
Becomes the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a Ph.D., receiving her doctorate in veterinary anatomy from the University of Nairobi.
Becomes active in women's organizations, beginning to connect environmental issues with women's rights and economic empowerment.
On World Environment Day (June 5), plants seven trees in her backyard, marking the beginning of the Green Belt Movement. This grassroots organization will eventually plant over 51 million trees.
Divorces from Mwangi Mathai. Despite personal hardships, she continues her environmental and political activism with renewed determination.
Attempts to run for parliament but is disqualified on a technicality. This marks the beginning of increasing political opposition to her activism.
Leads successful campaign to prevent construction of a 60-story building in Nairobi's Uhuru Park. Despite government opposition and personal attacks, the project is cancelled.
Arrested and imprisoned for demanding multiparty democracy and release of political prisoners. International pressure secures her release.
Beaten unconscious by police during pro-democracy protests. Hospitalized but continues activism upon recovery.
Leads protests to save Karura Forest from illegal land grabbing and development. Faces violent opposition but ultimately succeeds in protecting the forest.
Elected to Kenya's parliament with overwhelming support (98% of vote) in the Tetu constituency. Appointed Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources.
Becomes the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize "for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace." Receives award in Oslo on December 10.
Her autobiography "Unbowed: A Memoir" is published, becoming an international bestseller and inspiring millions around the world.
Appointed UN Messenger of Peace by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, focusing on environment and climate change.
Wangari Maathai passes away on September 25 from ovarian cancer at age 71. Her legacy continues through the Green Belt Movement and millions of lives she touched. Over 51 million trees stand as living monuments to her vision.