Wanjira Mathai

Wanjira Mathai, a prominent Kenyan environmentalist and activist, has made significant contributions across various sectors, particularly in environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, and youth leadership. Here are some key highlights from her life and career:

Early Life and Education:

• Birth and Upbringing: Wanjira Mathai was born in December 1971 in Kenya. She grew up under the influence of her mother, Wangari Maathai, the renowned environmental and political activist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
• Education: Mathai attended State House Girls’ High School in Nairobi. She later pursued her higher education in the United States, graduating from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a degree in Biology. She furthered her studies, earning master’s degrees in Public Health and Business Administration from Emory University.

Career and Contributions:

• The Green Belt Movement: Mathai has been deeply involved with the Green Belt Movement (GBM), founded by her mother in 1977. She served as Director of International Affairs and later as Executive Director of GBM. Her work focused on fundraising, international outreach, and overseeing programs that promote tree planting and environmental conservation across Kenya.
• Women Empowerment in Renewable Energy: As a senior advisor for Partnerships for Women Entrepreneurs in Renewables, Mathai champions women’s leadership in renewable energy. Her efforts aim to empower women economically and address issues like household air pollution.
• Advocacy and Leadership Roles: Mathai serves on various boards and councils, including the Clean Cooking Alliance, Earth Charter International Council, and Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). She is also involved with the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and the Wangari Maathai Foundation.
• World Resources Institute: Currently, Mathai holds the position of Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute (WRI) in Nairobi. She plays a pivotal role in addressing global issues such as deforestation and promoting energy access across Africa.

Awards and Recognition:

• Influential Awards: Mathai’s contributions have been widely recognized. She was named one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine in 2018. TIME magazine also honored her in 2023 as one of the top 100 most influential people globally.
• BBC’s 100 Women List: She was included in the BBC’s 100 Women list in November 2023, further highlighting her impact and influence on global environmental and social issues.

Legacy and Impact:

• Environmental Activism: Inspired by her mother’s legacy, Mathai continues to advocate for sustainable development, youth leadership, and environmental stewardship in Kenya and beyond.
• Educational Initiatives: Through the Wangari Maathai Foundation and the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, she promotes youth education, leadership skills, and ethical practices that contribute to peace-building and sustainable development.

Wanjira Mathai exemplifies leadership in environmental activism and social justice, leveraging her expertise to address pressing global challenges and advance her mother’s legacy of environmental conservation and community empowerment in Kenya and beyond.