Global Greens mourn Prof Wangari Maathai

 Global Greens mourn 

Prof Wangari Maathai 

The death of Prof Wangari Maathai on 25 September 2011 has shocked and saddened the Global Greens. She contributed so much to the world through the Green Belt Movement, through her work promoting women’s rights, and through her tireless campaigns for peace and the environment, especially in Africa. 

Prof Maathai was a committed, passionate, humorous and courageous woman, a deserving winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She was imprisoned several times for her outspoken advocacy but never deterred from campaigning.  She was an inspirational public speaker and always an imposing figure in magnificent colourful African dress.  Her speech on the life and death impacts of globalisation on Africa was one of the highlights of the first Global Greens Congress in 2001 in Canberra Australia. 

Prof Maathai played a big role in the formation of the African Greens Federation and will always be remembered by the African Greens. Around the world, she was a friend and inspiration to many Greens who will be sadly missed.

 The Global Greens give their deepest sympathy to Prof Maathai’s family, friends and colleagues. 

To our dear friend: walk in beauty. 

"You feel like you want to give up but we Greens have one capacity that will help us. We believe – we have faith, we have trust, we have persistence. We never give up!"
Prof Wangari Maathai, Global Greens Congress 2001. 

read more Global Greens Statements