October 8
On October 8, 2004, Environmentalist Wangari Maathai became the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize.
Wangari Maathai received higher education in the U.S., earning both a bachelors and masters degree. Shortly thereafter, Maathai returned to Africa to continue her education where she became the first woman in East and Central Africa with a doctorate degree.
Maathai went on to become an influential figure and environmentalist in Africa. Her accomplishments include forming the Green Belt Movement, which helped to plant 30 million trees in Kenya over a 30 year span. Maathai formed the Green Belt Movement in 1977 with a mission of reducing poverty and preserving natural and environmental resources.
In 2004, Wangari Maathai made history as the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize.
Maathai died in 2011 at the age of 71.
Sources
Kenyan environmentalist and human rights campaigner Wangari Maathai wins Nobel Peace Prize
Kenya Environmentalist and Human Rights Activist Wangari Maathai Wins 2004 Nobel Peace Prize
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