Most African women are nurtured to be narrow-minded. The message is, “you are not enough!”. It is heartbreaking to see women live below their potential. In the past, women were not taken seriously, they were a joke. Whenever a woman brought an idea to the table full of men, it was rarely taken into consideration. Needless to say, a woman rarely occupied a seat on that table.
However, regardless of the seats denied, African women dared to dream big and fought against the odds to make a difference. One of the women who made a difference and got global recognition is Wangari Muta Maathai from Kenya.
The late Ms. Wangari was and still is recognized for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. She is the first African woman to receive the Noble Peace Prize in 2004. She won the prize for her grassroots work on ecological restoration as well as for demonstrating that there is a link between peace and environmental issues.
Miss Wangari developed the idea that village women could improve the environment by planting trees to provide fuel sources and slow the processes of deforestation and desertification. She started the Green Belt Movement that has planted over 45 million trees across Kenya up to date in order to combat deforestation, stop soil erosion, and generate income for women and their families. She fought the vicious cycle of environmental degradation and poverty. “ When we plant trees, we plant seeds of peace and hope”~ Wangari Maathai.
She is remarkable and I believe African women have a lot to learn from her. She believed in herself and in making a difference in her society. She was a risk-taker and passionate in everything she does.
Everyone deserves to stand out regardless of gender or any social construct. We all have greatness if we only commit and immerse ourselves in our passions.
Let’s all dedicate our lives to making a difference. Any idea that you have in mind even if it might seem small and pointless, GO FOR IT. Remember, Great Things Have Small Begginings.
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