Wangari Maathai has not joined FLAPSS and has not endorsed it. This page is a reference record assembled from published interviews and public remarks. Every answer below is a direct quotation with the source and date shown next to it.
Founder of the Green Belt Movement; Member of Parliament for Tetu, Kenya, 2002–2007; Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources 2003–2005
Kenya · 1940–2011
Founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977 and was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate. Elected to the Kenyan Parliament in 2002 and served as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, the first African woman to receive it.
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In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.
Recorded Oslo City Hall, The Nobel Foundation, 10 December 2004 source
Tree planting became a natural choice to address some of the initial basic needs identified by women. Also, tree planting is simple, attainable and guarantees quick, successful results within a reasonable amount time. This sustains interest and commitment.
Recorded Oslo City Hall, The Nobel Foundation, 10 December 2004 source
Initially, the work was difficult because historically our people have been persuaded to believe that because they are poor, they lack not only capital, but also knowledge and skills to address their challenges. Instead they are conditioned to believe that solutions to their problems must come from 'outside'.
Recorded Oslo City Hall, The Nobel Foundation, 10 December 2004 source
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