By Njoki Karuoya
News of the death of Prof Wangari Maathai hit me with a thud. For some reason, Maathai was one of those women who I thought would live forever. She was so strong and vibrant that even in her old age, she still looked like a young woman. We all know several women in their 60s and 70s who look like they are about to pack up, but Maathai had the energy and zeal of a woman three decades her junior. Damn the cancer!
I guess for most people, the highlight of Maathai’s active life was the presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her work as the CEO of the Green Belt Movement and her agitation for peace and democracy in Kenya and the region at large. She made every Kenyan, nay, every African proud to see one of its daughters being honoured to what is perceived as the most prestigious accolade in the world.
On that day, millions of people around the world tuned to their television sets and other online media to watch this momentous occasion, and when she cried, others cried. The world was recognising the persistent efforts of a woman born 64 years ago (at that time) and instantly, she was on demand the world over — to speak, lecture, motivate and inspire.
Hers is the life that one can truly say was well and fully lived. This is what the Nobel Peace Prize committee proudly cited about our very own just before the historic presentation of the award.
“The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2004 to Wangari Maathai for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.
“Peace on earth depends on our ability to secure our living environment. Maathai stands at the front of the fight to promote ecologically viable social, economic and cultural development in Kenya and in Africa. She has taken a holistic approach to sustainable development that embraces democracy, human rights and women’s rights in particular. She thinks globally and acts locally.
“Maathai stood up courageously against the former oppressive regime in Kenya. Her unique forms of action have contributed to drawing attention to political oppression — nationally and internationally. She has served as an inspiration for many in the fight for democratic rights and has especially encouraged women to better their situation.
Environment
“Maathai combines science, social commitment and active politics. More than simply protecting the existing environment, her strategy is to secure and strengthen the very basis for ecologically sustainable development. She founded the Green Belt Movement where, for nearly 30 years, she has mobilised poor women to plant 30 million trees. Her methods have been adopted by other countries as well. We are all witness to how deforestation and forest loss have led to desertification in Africa and threatened many other regions of the world — in Europe too. Protecting forests against desertification is a vital factor in the struggle to strengthen the living environment of our common Earth.
“Through education, family planning, nutrition and the fight against corruption, the Green Belt Movement has paved the way for development at grassroots level. We believe that Maathai is a strong voice speaking for the best forces in Africa to promote peace and good living conditions on that continent.
“Wangari Maathai will be the first woman from Africa to be honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize. She will also be the first African from the vast area between South Africa and Egypt to be awarded the prize. She represents an example and a source of inspiration for everyone in Africa fighting for sustainable development, democracy and peace.”
Rest in Peace, Wangari Maathai.
