Born: 1940
Died: 2011
WOMEN’S ROLE IN REALIZING SDG 10
As a woman, you may have never considered how greatly you can transform your community. It appears to be something of a burden than it is to make positive change. It is hard to make out what it is like to become a force to reckon with whilst maintaining your glitzy glamourous self in a modern world of Instagram influencers. However, the big question is what are you influencing people to do? or better yet, to become?
Here is a story of one strong, resilient and courageous woman who’s life can only be described as ‘Impactful’. For lack of a better word ofcourse. If having a day set aside to celebrate her doesn’t scratch her tenacity for a good cause, maybe getting 45 million trees planted in Kenya through her famous initiative, The Green Belt Movement will do it for you.
The 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner, was known and continues to leave generations marveling by her relentless fight for Sustainable Development, democracy and Peace at a time when the proverbial patriarchal society was still having a tighter grip of power and resources in Kenya.
Prof Wangari Maathai, was indeed a force to reckon with, and a true influencer not just during her time, but for us social innovators today, and future young men and women.
She was famously known for her love for the environment and environmental conservation. Whilst protecting our forests and land, she ended up serving in various capacities including playing a key role in empowering women and advocating for their rights as well as the rights of others, a protector for democracy and, due to her popularity around the globe, she also fostered international cooperation in achieving a world that is nature sensitive and peaceful.
What else do you know about Wangari Maathai?
Would you take it upon yourself in your little capacity to address any form of injustice that is ailing your community?
The Late Prof Wangari Maathai was just a single individual but she was able to influence other millions of people from places all over the globe. This is a clear indication of how a clear and focused mind can drive significant social change. Are you ready to take up your tools of advocacy?