|
Professor Wangari Maathai
(1940 - 2011) |
Professor Wangari Muta Maathai, the founder
of
Green Belt Movement and the 2004 Nobel
Peace Prize Winner, is dead at the age of 71. Message on the the Green Belt
Movement's website of the death of Professor Wangari Maathai read as
follows:
It is with
great sadness that the family of Professor Wangari Maathai announces her
passing away on 25th September, 2011, at the Nairobi Hospital, after a
prolonged and bravely borne struggle with cancer. Her loved ones were with
her at the time.
|
|
Professor Maathai’s departure is untimely
and a very great loss to all who knew her—as a mother, relative,
co-worker, colleague, role model, and heroine; or who admired her
determination to make the world a more peaceful, healthier, and better
place.
Prof. Wangari Muta Maathai started the Green Belt Movement in 1977,
working with women to improve their livelihoods by increasing their
access to resources like firewood for cooking and clean water. She
became a great advocate for better management of natural resources and
for sustainability, equity, and justice.
Prof. Maathai leaves her three children—Waweru, Wanjira, and Muta—and a
granddaughter, Ruth Wangari. They are truly very grateful for all the
prayers and support they have received.
Further information on how Prof’s life will be celebrated, where to
share memories and condolences, and how to join us to build her legacy
for generations to come will be provided shortly.
|
