Professor Wangari Maathai is an outstanding woman. She was the first woman to receive a doctorate degree in East and Central Africa (1971), to become chair of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy (1976), an associate professor (1977), and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (2004).
Among some of her other achievements and admirable roles:
Founder and Coordinator of the Green Belt Movement (1977-2002)
Chair of the Board, GBM (2002-2011)
UN Messenger of Peace (2009-2011)
Co-Chair, Congo Basin Forest Fund (2007-2011)
Goodwill Ambassador, Congo Basin Forest Initiative (2005-2011)
Presiding Officer, Economic Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (2005-2007)
Founding Chair, GBM International (2005)
Assistant Minister, Environment, Republic of Kenya (2003-2005)
Member of Parliament, Tetu Constituency, Republic of Kenya (2002-2007)
Founding member, GROOTS International (1985)
Director, Kenya Red Cross (1973-1980)