Rise up and Walk
Over the last month, I've been reading "Unbowed" a memoir written by Wangari Maathai, a fearless Kenyan social and environmental activist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and founder of the Green Belt Movement.
More about the Green Belt Movement
After having read her book and learning of all that she accomplished in her lifetime I am shocked to not have heard of her before, especially as I am an aspiring conservationist and environmental activist myself.
The main takeaway from this memoir is that humanity needs to work toward "cultures of peace", respecting human rights, and "deliberately and consciously promoting justice and equity" while managing resources responsibly and accountably- for today and the future.
For those who have time I seriously recommend reading this book.
For those who don't, I'll summarise the highlights of her vast accomplishments and contributions to the field of environmental conservation and activism.
In 1977 Wangari founded the Green Belt Movement. Leaders of this pioneering organisation established the 'Pan African Green Belt Network' (1986) to educate world leaders about conservation and environmental improvement, resulting in many similar initiatives across Africa.
In 2004 Wangari was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to link peace, sustainable development and democracy. She was not only the first African woman to be awarded this prize, but also the first environmentalist to receive such an award, recognising that environmental protection in itself, can create paths to peace.
Wangari was not only a pioneer in environmental activism for her time but a devoted social activist who seeked to profoundly improve the lives of Kenyan women and all Kenyans, through education, food-security and income, and rights. On countless occasions she came head-to-head with the then-dictator Moi (who ruled from 1978-2002), leading to the first democratic elections in Kenya.
Finally, for those of you who like documentaries, I recommend watching "Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai". This documentary is about how Wangari sought to contest and undo the damages of a colonial legacy of deforestation and exploitation of Kenya's land. It also addresses the historical context of her work, from the persistent government corruption, and human rights abuses, to the blatant land-grabbing and privatisation of indigenous forests at the expense of the environment and the Kenyan people under the dictatorship of President Moi.
I will leave you with the closing words of her book, which I found very relatable and inspiring...
" Those of us who witness the degraded state of the environment and the suffering that comes with it cannot afford to be complacent. We continue to be restless. if we really carry the burden, we are driven to action. We cannot tire or give up. We owe it to the present and future generations of all species to rise up and walk! "
-Wangari Muta Maathai (1940-2011)
