The Greenbelt movement is not a typical non-governmental organization. They greenbelt movement was a grassroots organization that was started by Wangari Maathai. Maathai used this grassroots movement to advocate for environmental justice, human rights, women’s rights, and a pro-democracy initiative in Kenya. Because the organization had a larger focus in environmental justice, it becomes apparent how the intersections of one’s social location arise to the forefront of a political movement. In addition to the movement advocating for political change, the Green Belt Movement has also influenced citizens about the importance of environmental justice. People in Kenya have a greater understanding of how important the environment is with regards to the general welfare. According to the organization’s website, Professor Maathai recognized the environmental injustice was one of the deeper, systemic issues that perpetuated food insecurity, disenfranchisement, and a loss of traditional Kenyan values. In Kenya, there is a very rigid heteropatriarchal structure in place that puts women’s job as fetching firewood, cooking, cleaning, and doing other household jobs. But, with a lack of firewood from deforestation, this disproportionately affects poor families and women. The Green Belt Movement has been successful in planting over 51 trees is Kenya to date.
